News

VON’s Oxford, Ontario site has won a Community Engagement Award from the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce. On November 7, 2024, members of the team were on hand at the Colombo Club in Beachville to receive the award, given as part of the Chamber’s 27th Annual Business Awards of Excellence.

“Thank you to all of our volunteers and staff who work so hard every day to make VON a provider of choice,” says Robin Kish, Manager of Home and Community Care, Community Support Services. “It is because of you that we were nominated and won this award.”

Nominees were asked to shoot a 2-minute video about their organization. Community members then voted for the winners. In their video, the VON Oxford team noted that VON has provided services in Oxford County since 1914. What started with a visiting nursing program has expanded to include many life-enhancing community support services.

Today, staff and volunteers serve over 2,900 clients, families and care partners every year. Services include transportation to medical appointments, daytime and overnight respite programs, therapeutic bathing, SMART exercise and fall prevention classes and blood pressure monitoring clinics.

In helping people live every day to the fullest, the site also offers hot and frozen Meals on Wheels, light housekeeping services, Volunteer Visiting, bereavement support, Assisted Living and Family Support Programs to assist children and adults with special needs.

VON Oxford also runs Sakura House, a 10-bed residential hospice that supports patients and their families in their end-of-life journeys.

See the full VON Oxford nomination video.

The Woodstock Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Awards of Excellence recognize and celebrate exceptional businesses and leaders in Woodstock and the surrounding area, as nominated by their peers. This year’s event spotlighted 24 outstanding nominees across eight award categories, acknowledging their contributions to community, innovation and professional excellence.

Congratulations to the VON Oxford team!

Pictured above, back row (left to right):  Chelsea Stephens (Fund Development), Jen Wheeler (Transportation), Rose Entz (Central Intake). Front row (left to right):  Janet Somers (Volunteer Coordinator), Sheryl Elliott (Admin), Robin Kish (CSS Manager), Vanessa Matthews (Family Supports).