When Connie Raynor-Elliot founded a street-level volunteer organization to assist people living with addiction almost 15 years ago, she never imagined the city would recognize her with its highest honour, alongside some of the most recognized Sault residents.
The city's past Medal of Merit recipients include NHL players Ted Nolan, Phil and Tony Esposito, artist Ken Danby, politicians like Ron Irwin and Tony Martin, along with dozens of other notable names, including one astronaut.
"Roberta Bonner? I mean seriously. She goes to space, I go down back alleys. Is it because we both go into the darkness? I have no idea," said Raynor-Elliott immediately after the medal ceremony at the Ronald A. Irwin Civic Centre.
Raynor-Elliott founded Save our Young Adults (SOYA) about 14 years ago after suffering a heartbreaking loss of her own. In the years since, the volunteer organization has helped countless people experiencing the effects of poverty and substance use disorder
During Monday's ceremony, Mayor Matthew Shoemaker lauded Raynor-Elliott's efforts to serve the city's most vulnerable.
“For nearly two decades, Connie has been a lifeline for countless individuals and families in our city,” Shoemaker said.
“As the founder of SOYA, her unwavering dedication to tackling addiction, homelessness, and social vulnerability is nothing short of extraordinary. Connie’s compassion and hands-on approach inspire us all to take action, proving that one person truly can change lives and build a stronger, more caring community.”
In her remarks, Raynor-Elliott said she is grateful for all of those in the community who have supported SOYA over the years, which in turn has allowed the organization to assist others.
"SOYA doesn't have clients, they're all our friends and our work has always been guided by the commitment to lifting others up," she said.
The ceremony was followed by a surprise announcement by 100 Guys Who Care of Sault Ste. Maire, an organization that supports various local community efforts.
Frank D'Addetta, speaking on behalf of the local chapter of 100 Guys Who Care, congratulated Raynor-Elliott on the honour.
"In the type of world we live in now and the community the way it is, not only here but across Ontario, we need multiple people like yourself," said D'Addetta.
Typically the organization raise $10,000 per quarter, but D'Addetta said 100 Guys was on track to raise $40,000 for SOYA by March, thanks to a $20,000 matching donation from an anonymous sponsor.
Raynor-Elliott appeared overwhelmed by the announcement. SOYA's depot is currently closed and its new building is under renovation for at least another couple of weeks.
"We live in the best community, we really do," she told SooToday immediately after the announcement. "I just keep putting things out to the universe and the way it comes back sometimes kind of blows my mind."
The city awards the Medal of Merit to individuals or groups who have achieved exceptional honours in athletics, cultural, or academic fields or make extraordinary community contributions. Raynor-Elliott was the sole awardee for the the 2024 medal.
In 2022, Algoma Public Health recognized Raynor-Elliott with the Public Health Champion Award for her leadership during the opioid crisis, and she has also been honoured by the Zonta Club of Sault Ste. Marie for her humanitarian efforts.