Toronto: Pickering’s Charles ‘Spider’ Jones has been named to Ontario’s highest honour — The Order of Ontario, which recognizes exceptional achievement.
However, ‘Spider’ is the only one from Durham among the 21 appointees named on the list announced by Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Chancellor of the Order of Ontario, on Friday.
The Lieutenant Governor will bestow the honour upon the newest appointees during an investiture ceremony at Queen’s Park on March 11.
Charles ‘Spider’ Jones is a Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame member, journalist, author and three-time Golden Glove Champion. He has dedicated his life to improving impoverished youth by sharing his life experiences, said a citation by the Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries.
“Through his ‘Believe to Achieve’ non-profit organization, Spider supports kids in after-school personal development and mentorship programs.”
Of the 21 appointees, ten are from Toronto, four from Ottawa and one each from Kingston, Selwyn, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, King City and London, apart from Charles Spider Jones from Pickering.
“On behalf of all Ontarians, I congratulate the 2018 Order of Ontario appointees. Members of the Order of Ontario exemplify, individually and collectively, the best qualities of good citizenship,” said Dowdeswell. “Through their voluntary service, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, they demonstrate how we in Ontario are working to build a more just and sustainable future. The work and contributions of each appointee challenge us to take an active interest in where we live and how we care for the environment and one another.”
Quick Facts
- 706 people have been invested with the Order of Ontario since its establishment in 1986.
- Appointments to the Order are made on the recommendation of an independent advisory council based on nominations put forward by the public.
- The nomination deadline is March 31 each year. You can nominate a resident or former long-term resident of Ontario for the 2020 Order of Ontario here.