Margaret was widowed at the age of 33 and raised three daughters while caring for her aging parents and working full time as a medical secretary.  She also was a recognisable force of kindness in her community because she was always looking out for others. At the end of  her working day, she would often visit some of the most isolated  patients or run errands for them. She met Robin in 1976, when she began her first university course. Their first date was in June 1977 and they saw each other every day until they were married in January 1978. 

Robin also had a personal history as a devoted caregiver to his first wife who had a long battle with cancer and later to his sister who had Alzheimer's disease. He also was a lifelong volunteer in his church, reading at mass most weekends at Star of the Sea Church in Port Dalhousie. He and Margaret volunteered at every opportunity,  preparing meals for the Out of the Cold Program, cleaning the church, supporting refugees and much more. Margaret also worked on at a local help line. When she died, the doctors she had worked for at the community health centre and countless others donated to create an award in her name. After her death Robin continued to be an active volunteer as long as his health allowed and visited elderly neighbors on a daily basis. He died in December 2018 and was added to the award at that time. 

Service to others gave them both a strong sense of meaning and purpose in life. And in small but powerful ways, they exemplified the multiple ways volunteering lifts up a community and makes it a better place for everyone especially the most vulnerable. For more than 20 years, the award has recognized the contributions of inspiring young people who demonstrate their spirit and commitment.