HALIFAX: The extraordinary contributions of volunteers in Nova Scotia were celebrated on September 29, at the 51st annual Provincial Volunteer Awards ceremony in Halifax.
“Volunteers are the heart of our province,” said Dave Ritcey, Minister responsible for the Voluntary Sector.
“Their service makes a lasting impact – strengthening communities, inspiring hope and reminding us that Nova Scotia is at its best when we look out for one another.”
Awards were presented in four categories:
– Newcomer Volunteer Award, for a newcomer who has demonstrated extraordinary outreach to and volunteerism in their new community
– Youth Volunteer Award, for a volunteer aged 13 to 24
– Family Volunteer Award, for a family of two or more people living in the same community
– Nova Scotia Strong Award, recognizing resilience during a time of tragedy or struggle.
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Among the provincial volunteer award recipients were some local residents.
Nick Yeomans of Wellington was recognized for his contributions to the community at the LWF Hall, Keloose, and as a volunteer firefighter with Station 42 Wellington/Grand Lake.
Katie Hines of Enfield was recognized for her involvement with sparks/brownies; chair of East Hants Crime Prevention; founding and running Summer Camps Unplugged Society, and a board member with East Hants Community Health.
Sharon Arsenault of the Middle Musquodoboit area was honoured for being an integral force in the Musquodoboit Valley, dedicating herself to improving the lives of her community members through decades of volunteer work.
Karen Levy was the Town of Stewiacke’s nominee for the provincial volunteer awards for her 19 years of volunteer service to the Shumilacke Food Bank in Shubenacadie.
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Along with the provincial awards, each municipality and Mi’kmaw community selected a representative to receive an individual Volunteer of the Year Award, recognizing outstanding service at the community level.
Details about the award recipients and more information about the awards are available at: https://novascotia.ca/nonprofitsector/provincialvolunteeraward
Quotes:
“Volunteering is one of the noblest ways to serve, showing that genuine care for others can move communities forward.
“It also sets a beautiful example for other provinces – and even other countries – on how deeply rooted and respected volunteerism can be when recognized as part of a province’s identity and values.”
— Maria Ivy Jovellanos, first recipient of the inaugural Newcomer Volunteer Award