Kim Kneeshaw - 2023 Woman of the Year Recipient

Kim has become a major force with the North Simcoe Victim Services.  When first formed in 1999, Kim joined as a volunteer and after one year, was hired as the Volunteer Coordinator and then advanced to Executive Director.  Victim Services crisis responder volunteers handle crime and/or tragic circumstances including Intimate Partner Abuse, Sexual Assault, Suicide, Sudden Deaths, Addictions, Property Crime and Robbery. Kim was responsible for filling the monthly 180 volunteer shifts and coordinate the incredibly extensive training that each volunteer requires. 
Her resilience helped her conquer the pandemic challenges, finding new ways to interface with the OPP, victims, and her volunteers in ways that had never been done before.  With a huge capacity for caring, she is strong and courageous and is an inspiration to many, including young volunteers.  
While continuing to volunteer with Victim Services, Kim also volunteered with the Salvation Army to Ring the Bells plus their Food Van distributing meals, clothing, and hygiene products to those in need.  Her dedication continued helping establish the Warming Centre, a member of Simcoe County Alliance to End Homelessness, the Situation Table weekly meetings for the needy in our community, various Food Drives, Bryden’s Walk.  Kim has run 3 educational programs for Community Outreach.
Kim manages to balance work with a wonderful home life with her twin grandsons and brand-new baby granddaughter. 
Always genuine, polite, and dedicated, Kim continues to go above and beyond for her community.