LiveWorkPlay Celebrates National Volunteer Week 2026 – Bill Young: Volunteer Match with Chris Jones

Award presented live at Make A Buzz Ottawa 2026, LiveWorkPlay’s 31st Anniversary Celebration, April 17, at Bayview Yards

Community Match Award – Bill Young & Chris Jones 

Good evening, everyone! 

My name is Rebecca Coxon, I am filling in for the wonderful Alex Darling to support our volunteer team while she is off on parental leave. I am here to present the Community Match and Volunteer Leadership awards.  

I’d like to share the story of a match that reminds us exactly why our efforts to bring people together in this way is so important.  

Bill and Chris have been matched for about a year now—and in that time, their friendship has grown through shared experiences, lots of laughter, and an impressive list of adventures – these two are always up to something!

Whether it’s spending time at Bill’s cottage, working on woodworking projects, or heading out to events like Winterlude and Bluesfest—they’ve built an amazing connection.  

What really stands out is their friendship itself. The joy in spending time together, perhaps only their shared passion for ice cream ranks higher than their love for a good laugh.  

It’s been such a pleasure to watch their bond grow over the past year. 

Bill and Chris, thank you for sharing your stories and photos with us and bringing joy and laughter to each other’s lives. Please join me in congratulating Bill Young and Chris Jones as the recipients of the Community Match Award!