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2013 Volunteers of the Year
On April 12, Volunteer Kootenays and Investors Group welcomed 240 guests to a fabulous celebration of community spirit.
The eighth Annual Volunteer Appreciation & Awards Gala was held at the beautiful St. Eugene Resort and Casino’s Pavilion.
Volunteer of the Year Awards were offered in four categories: Individual, Youth, Family, Group.
This year’s winners are:
Danika Reid
Youth Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by BC Hydro
Danika was honoured for being a great role model, and demonstrating what is amazing and remarkable about her generation. One day she may be sitting on a committee to preserve our local environment and the next day she may be found sitting with a group of children teaching them a new skill. In addition to volunteering with an incredible variety of organizations; Danika also has a part time job AND maintains a stellar GPA at school!
Cranbrook Health Care Auxiliary
Group Volunteers of the Year, sponsored by Cranbrook Dodge
This organization – now about 300 members strong – has been in existence since 1901, contributing to the health and welfare of the citizens of the East Kootenay region. In 2012, they volunteered a total of 51,980 hours, which translates to more than 17 hours each per month! Over the last 12 years, the group has raised and donated $4 million for the betterment of our communities. Says one of several nominators, “These volunteers always present with compassion and care and provide an ongoing service to many areas of our community with never ending energy and leadership.”
The Beaulac Family
Family Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by MEDIchair Kootenay Boundary
Volunteering is something that John, Shauna, Jasmine and Robbie Beaulac enjoy doing together. They put in countless volunteer hours each year at Fort Steele Heritage Town, bake treats weekly for the Street Angels drop in centre, help with hockey, soccer and at school. In lieu of birthday presents, Jasmine and Robbie ask for donations to go to their charity of choice. Says Shauna, “if you start your kids at a young age, they don’t know any different. It just becomes a way of life.”
Jeanne Davidson
Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by Investors Group
Jeanne was honoured for her quiet and selfless contributions to community through work with the Cranbrook Kimberley Hospice Society, among others. “The impact of a person’s dedication … can be measured in the hearts that are touched and the personal stories of individuals who have felt supported through a very difficult time,” says the society’s (volunteer) board of directors. “Jeanne has done that PLUS provided numbers for those who wish to “see results.”
The annual Volunteer Appreciation & Awards Gala is held each year to kick off National Volunteer Week celebrations.
The national campaign is delivered each year in April by Volunteer Canada in partnership with Investors Group, a 10-year supporter of National Volunteer Week, and Canada’s corporate leader in volunteer recognition.
We gratefully acknowledge all of the sponsors and supporters who make this event possible.
For 2014 Volunteer of the Year Nomination forms and other information, visit www.volunteerkootenays.ca , email [email protected] or telephone 250.426.8019
Volunteer Kootenays is a program of Canadian Mental Health Association-Kootenays, a multi-service, charitable, non-profit organization delivering services throughout the Kootenays. We are successful in the delivery of our many programs and services because of the huge support we get from individuals, businesses, and communities. Volunteer Kootenays provides recruitment, referrals and volunteer management services to the entire non-profit community and business sector.
Lead photo left to right: Keri Rinehart, BC Hydro; Bill Hughes, Investors Group; Danika Reid, Youth Volunteer of the Year; Sandy Zesnick, Cranbrook Health Care Auxiliary, Group Volunteers of the Year; Jeanne Davidson, Volunteer of the Year; Jason Spyksma, Cranbrook Dodge; Lois Dettling, Cranbrook Health Care Auxiliary; Robbie Beaulac, Family Volunteer of the Year; Rachel Christie, Cranbrook Health Care Auxiliary; Jasmine Beaulac, Family Volunteer of the Year; Laurie Harris, Volunteer Kootenays
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