Three from Windsor-Essex awarded Queen Elizabeth II Ontario Medals for Good Citizenship

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 20: Queen Elizabeth II visits the Royal College Of Physicians on February 20, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Three locals from Windsor-Essex have been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship for their volunteer work.

The recipients were Stacey Robert-Tobin of Tecumseh, Dean Paul La Bute of Windsor, and Sam Sinjari of Windsor.

Stacey Robert-Tobin

Robert-Tobin is an educator, author, and advocate. She teaches criminal and civil law, social justice, sociology, and psychology.

In 2017, she founded Fertility Friends, after her own struggles with fertility. It is a support network that supports more than 800 people. She now is Southwestern Ontario’s representative for Fertility Matters Canada, helping with national research and policy initiatives.

Dean Paul La Bute

Dean Paul La Bute was recognized for his role in improving accessibility, health equity, and advocacy for marginalized populations. He lost his vision in early adulthood, using it to make positive change.

For more than 60 years, he has held leadership and governance roles with organizations such as the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Victorian Order of Nurses, Standards Advisory Council, and the Canadian Association of Retired Persons. He has helped shape policy, strengthening support systems, and advance inclusion at local, provincial, and national levels.

Sam Sinjari

Sam Sinjari has worked in the community in regard to safety, food security, environmental renewal, and non-profit governance. He is the chair of the Rotary Club of Windsor Community Service Projects Committee and leads initiatives supporting families, newcomers, and vulnerable people.

His volunteer efforts also include tree planting, essential supply drives, employment support donations, and holiday meals. Sinjari is also the host of the ‘Empowering Kindness’ podcast, bringing light to local charities.