Susan Venditti has been named the 2021 recipient of the T. Roy Adams Humanitarian Award in recognition of her lifelong dedication to caring for those less fortunate in our community.

Venditti recently retired as CEO of Start Me Up Niagara, an organization she founded and has overseen since 1998. Her leadership and limitless energy has provided new opportunities for countless individuals experiencing poverty, homelessness, disabilities, addictions and mental health issues to increase their level of self-sufficiency and improve their quality of life.

Venditti has also been an inspiration to other volunteers in Niagara, identifying each individual’s unique gifts, and encouraging them to find ways to give back to their community. She has built a community of support for those in need while at the same partnering with other agencies and organizations to fill in the gaps.

This year marks the nineteeth anniversary of the T. Roy Adams award, presented annually to a Niagara resident who exemplifies the values and dedication to community service of the late T. Roy Adams. Mr. Adams served on Regional Council as Mayor of St. Catharines from 1976 to 1985 and as a Regional Councillor from 1988 to 2002.