Pickering-Uxbridge Leaders Awarded King’s Coronation Medals
May 30, 2025
Four local residents are awarded for their extraordinary community service
PICKERING-UXBRIDGE — The Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy is proud to award four local Pickering-Uxbridge residents with the King Charles III Coronation Medal for their extraordinary work and contributions within the community. The four residents are Raphael Francis, Patricia MacDonald, John McCutcheon, and Darlene Walker.
“It is truly a privilege to recognize these incredible and service-oriented individuals. Our community thrives because of everyday people who dedicate their time and energy to helping others and building a brighter future,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Member of Provincial Parliament for Pickering-Uxbridge. “On behalf of the Governor General and the Government of Ontario, I thank them for their steadfast commitment and tireless efforts.”
The King Charles III Coronation Medal was created to mark His Majesty’s coronation and is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions in their community. Receiving this medal is a prestigious honour, recognizing unwavering dedication and local impact.
Raphael Francis has been a strong voice and advocate for the Black community in Pickering and across the GTA for the past 30 years. As former president of the Pickering Carib-Canadian Cultural Association, Raphael has mentored leaders, supported seniors and led youth tech programs. He also played a crucial role in creating the Sarah MacDonald’s Place in Pickering, a six-story, 63-unit building that provides safe and affordable housing to those in need.
Patricia Macdonald is a passionate advocate for veterans and remembrance education. She created the Honour Them Well Banner Program, displaying more than 300 banners in Uxbridge and inspired similar initiatives across Canada. She also organized Uxbridge Secondary School’s Remembrance Day services and helped launch Toronto’s Bomber Girls banner program. Additionally, Patricia has contributed to her community by helping with the Uxbridge Firefighter Memorial, teaching Sunday School, leading mission trips, and coaching high school sports for 25 years.
John McCutcheon has been a conservation champion for Uxbridge for the past 40 years. Through the John and Pat McCutcheon Charitable Foundation, he has supported major environmental organizations and worked with the Toronto Region Conservation Authority to promote nature restoration. John placed a conservation easement on his Uxbridge property and donated the land to the Township, which led to the creation of the Uxbridge Urban Provincial Park. In honour of his late wife, John supports the Uxbridge Hospital through the Patricia Gail McCutcheon Scholarship Fund and is an active member and volunteer at his church.
Darlene Walker’s empathy and strong leadership skills have made her a hero to many in Pickering. Darlene founded the Dedicated Advocacy Resource Support (DARS) charity over ten years ago which began with her helping the homeless with supplies from her own car. During the pandemic, Darlene and a small group of volunteers provided weekly Wednesday meals and supplies to the needy in any weather, rain or shine. DARS now supports hundreds facing home, food and income insecurity across Durham and the GTA.
Quick Facts
- The King Charles Coronation Medal is awarded to individuals who have made exemplary contributions within their communities.