By Ewa Chwojko-Srawley

A photograph of Jim Anderson standing proudly on the baseball diamond, bat in hand, says it all. This year’s recipient of the 2024 Portraits of Giving award has poured his time and heart into serving as a volunteer coach and executive member of the Georgina Minor Baseball Association for the last twenty-seven years.

He admits that coaching is a huge part of his community contribution. He says, “The diamond is where I’ve done some of my greatest life work. Nothing has made me prouder than winning against more established teams, and hearing comments like, How could we lose to some…Georgina farmers!? “

What began as a simple leisure activity with his own children, evolved into a deeply purposeful commitment to the community. His dedication has truly hit a home run in the hearts of many. Anderson is still affectionately referred to as ‘the Coach,’ even though his coaching days are behind him.

He is also known as ‘The Rogers guy’, with a nearly four-decade career in community television. As a Station Manager at Rogers TV, he had the opportunity to co-organize a massive fundraisers, an annual live TV auctions supporting his favourite charity, Georgina Cares. Because people receiving the Portraits of Giving award are asked which charity the organizers should donate to, he of course chose Georgina Cares, for which he also volunteers.

Jim Anderson with family and friends
Jim presents Rob Grossi, Georgina Cares, with donation

Anderson worked tirelessly for decades as a volunteer in numerous capacities, always behind the scenes. He prefers to avoid the spotlight, quietly dedicating his efforts to the causes he cares about.

Even at this event in his honour, he would have preferred to stay in the shadows. His friends, and those whose lives he has touched, were not about to let him hide from the well-deserved praise! They listed all the wonderful things he has done, sprinkling their stories with many remembered funny moments, filling the room with laughter.

The celebration took place at The Briars in Jackson’s Point, bringing together family, friends, and previous Georgina honourees. Politicians Scot Davidson, M.P., Mayor Margaret Quirk, councillors Dale Genge and Lee Dale also gathered to honour this year’s recipient.

Karen Merk, the founder of Portraits of Giving, said, “As we mark our 15th anniversary, we are proud to celebrate Jim Anderson, who has been a pillar in this community for many years. Today, we also celebrate optimism, hope, and light, with this year’s honourees’ stories.”

 The exhibition of portraits will be on display at the Briars until Sunday, July 21st.      

Website: https://www.merkphotography.com/post/jim-anderson 

Mike Anderson
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