Mejaski receives Volunteer Award recognition

Tillsonburg Mayor Deb Gilvesy, left, and Carrie Lewis, Museum, Culture, Heritage and Special Awards Advisory Committee Chair, on the right, present Lindsey Mejaski with a Volunteer Achievement Award certificate of recognition on May 26. (Chris Abbott Photo)

Chris Abbott, Post Correspondent

Lindsey Mejaski was the recipient of the Town of Tillsonburg’s quarterly Volunteer Achievement Award, presented at the May 26 council meeting.

Carrie Lewis, Museum, Culture, Heritage and Special Awards Advisory Committee Chair, and Mayor Deb Gilvesy presented Mejaski with a certificate of recognition.

Treasurer on the Tillsonburg Minor Soccer Club board of directors, Mejaski is also the club’s director of facilities and she is on the operations committee. Her role as U4 convener was praised by Lewis during the presentation.

“It is my honour to present Lindsey Mejaski the Volunteer Award in recognition of her outstanding dedication, leadership and commitment to the success of the Tillsonburg soccer program, particularly her role as coordinator of the U4 division,” said Lewis. “Personally, my favourite division because they are so… cute.

“Lindsey exemplifies the spirit of true volunteerism by providing not only organizational skills, but also a deep passion for nurturing young players in the foundational years of their soccer journey. The U4 is the cornerstone of the program, introducing children to soccer in a fun and positive and encouraging environment. As the leader of this division, Lindsey has made a profound impact on both the players and their families by creating an inclusive and dynamic experience that fosters learning, teamwork and confidence. Through her tireless efforts, the U4 division has become more than just a starting point for young athletes. It’s become a safe, supportive space where children develop their first love for the game.”

“Congratulations Lindsey, and thank you for all you do for the youth in our community,” said Mayor Deb Gilvesy.

Mejaski, a sales admin with London Machinery Inc., is now in her second year volunteering at the Tillsonburg Minor Soccer Club.

“I grew up at the soccer park. My first-ever job was there at the canteen with Mike (Papaioannou). I just have a love for the soccer park itself – it was a big part of my life – and it’s nice to give back.”

Her oldest son started in soccer in 2024, and now her ‘middle’ daughter is playing. A younger daughter is expected to play when she’s a bit older.

“Soccer meant a lot to me growing up, so I want my kids to have that, as well as the community, to have a great place to play. I want it to be very welcoming… just a good place to be.”

Mejaski (formerly Ambrus) and Jenn Bakker started a new recreational women’s league this year. Games are Sunday nights.

“We have about 60 women, a lot of them moms, four full teams. We just had our first game last night (May 25) - my legs are killing me,” Mejaski laughed.

Many of the women are in their 30s, she said, and they have 40 and 50-year-olds.

“It was so much fun. Everyone stayed and had drinks afterwards, it was so nice. So a lot of good things are happening at the soccer park.”