2024 Community Awards Spotlight – Brenda Deugo-Mills

Brenda Deugo-Mills – Exceptional Volunteer Award

Anyone who knows Brenda knows she possesses a deep passion for her community and has dedicated her time to fostering social connections. Truly someone who is “young at heart,” Brenda is a jewel and a strong supporter of everything community.

Her attitude of giving back was instilled in Brenda from an early age. Brenda’s family was involved in anything athletic in Pakenham and it’s that legacy of volunteerism that continues with Brenda’s own sons today.

As a long-time resident and founding member of the Pakenham & District Civitan Club, Brenda’s impact has been felt in virtually every corner of the village, including:

• The Pakenham Recreation Committee

• Pakenham & District Civitan Club

• Pakenham Remembrance Day

• Canadian Ski Patrol

As an example, when her sons were small and becoming actively involved in local recreation, Brenda independently established a recreational soccer program in Pakenham – never letting time or planning get in the way of a good idea, even with a busy career and family!

Working in public safety, primarily as a civilian member of the RCMP, brought an interest in community policing and restorative justice programs. Brenda helped create a transformative program locally which expanded into initiatives like Lanark County Community Justice. 

Over the years, the health of children in her community has been top of mind for Brenda. In 2022, she created the 5 Span Strong Kids program, addressing the importance of physical and mental health in youth as they grow. Through Brenda’s passion for this new approach to health education, she inspired like-minded community members and partners to collaborate on what has become a successful program in Mississippi Mills.

It’s a wonder Brenda has any time leftover in her day, but on top of all this, she is also an incredible photographer. You have likely witnessed her skill at capturing the beauty of our Mississippi Mills community. Her photo of a snow-covered Five-Span Bridge was among the finalists last year in our Bicentennial Photo Contest.

She is a woman of many talents!

Here is what Brenda’s nominators had to say about her:

• “Brenda Deugo-Mills is a consummate giver of her time but in the general scheme of things, her volunteer efforts have been extremely focused. Over the years, this focus has been improving her local community, and specifically, the lives of children in Pakenham…”

• “What makes Brenda unique is that she does not sit at home waiting for something to happen – she makes it happen, repeatedly. She does her homework, she becomes an expert, she seeks to influence other people, she finds partners, she plans, she sets goals and works toward a desirable outcome. She ensures success and eventually leaves her ‘project’ to flourish on its own. She then moves on without wanting any accolades or glory for her efforts.”

• “Brenda is part of a family that believes firmly in using their talents, assets and time for the benefit of their community family. By honouring Brenda Deugo-Mills, we also honour her family who contribute wholeheartedly to 5 Span Strong Kids. Brenda and her family make Pakenham a very special place to thrive.”

• “Having an adult who listens to and supports you is important for any child, and Brenda understands that. Being able to see children as equals who deserve respect is part of what makes Brenda so fantastic at what she does.”

• “One day she will rest, but do not count on it.”

Brenda, thank you for your dedication to improving your community and the lives of local children. Your efforts have no doubt inspired others to give back to their community.

For more information about the Mississippi Mills Community Awards, please visit: www.mississippimills.ca/communityawards/