Premier Pat Binns and Elmer MacFadyen, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs, today announced the recipients of the very first Volunteer Recognition Awards. At a ceremony in Summerside, seven individuals from across the province were recognized for outstanding contributions through their voluntary efforts.
Honoured for their Service to Others is Louise Arsenault of St. Gilbert, Shirley Arsenault of Stratford, Lynda Curtis of Alberton, Allan Joseph Doyle of Mount Stewart, Nanne Garnham of North Milton, Clarence MacDonald of Souris, and Elaine MacLennan of Strathcona.
"Volunteers are the backbone of our communities, they care for our elderly and our sick, coach our children, promote our history and traditions and support community development and activity," said Premier Pat Binns. "It is our pleasure to recognize the special contributions of each of these seven individuals to communities across Prince Edward Island. It is through their giving of their time and energy that we can build stronger, safer and healthier communities."
The Government of Prince Edward Island first announced the creation of this awards program in the 2002 Speech from the Throne. An independent committee was established to review all of the names submitted for recognition.
"In 2001, we celebrated the International Year of the Volunteer. This award program was created to build on that momentum and to provide Islanders with a way to honour and acknowledge the important work of volunteers across the province," said Elmer MacFadyen, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs. "Each of these individuals is to be commended for unselfishly giving to others without thought to receiving recognition."
According to the 2000 Survey on Giving, Volunteering and Participating, Islanders volunteered more than 7.4 million hours in 2000.
Louise Arsenault of St. Gilbert is an active member of her community dedicating a great deal of time and effort to helping seniors and promoting French culture. She was part of the creation of Le Chez-nous a 25-unit senior's housing unit in the Evangline region. In 1998 she received the Order of Merit from la Société Saint-Thomas-d'Aquin.
VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION AWARDS –- 2004 RECIPIENTS
Shirley Arsenault of Stratford was nominated by the group, "The Compassionate Friends," for her dedication and commitment to support bereaved parents. This group was established fourteen years ago to assist families in coping with a loss of a loved one. She is the grief coordinator for Queen's County Hospice and has been involved in this organization for many years. She is active in The Lady of Our Assumption Church as a lector, altar server and the Catholic Women's League (CWL).
Lynda Curtis of Alberton is President of the Alberton Historical Preservation Inc., an Executive Member of the Royal Canadian Legion, St. Anthony's Branch #27, and a member of the Alberton Business Association for the Mural Project. Lynda is also past-president of the Provincial Canadian Diabetes Association.
Allan Joseph Doyle of Mount Stewart has been active in the Mt. Stewart Fire Department for over 49 years, serving as Fire Chief for many years. He served as member of the construction committee for the new community complex. He is a former member of the Mount Stewart Council and is active in the St. Andrew's Roman Catholic Church and is responsible for grave placement in the cemetery.
Nanne Garnham of North Milton, has been a very active member of the North Milton Women's Institute since 1959. She has served on the Miltonvale Park Community Council for over 20 years. She has been very supportive of the Milton Community Hall Council. She is an active member of the St. John's Anglican Churchs' Women and Council.
Clarence MacDonald of Souris is a valued and respected family man and community leader in the Town of Souris. He is an active longstanding member of St. Mary's Parish. He and his wife Thelma provide pre-marriage instruction to many young couples. For nine years, he was past president of the Eastern King's Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society's-PEI Division. Clarence was a former Town Councillor and volunteer for the Souris Hospital.
Elaine MacLennan of Strathcona has been involved in many organizations over the past 25 years. She has served on the executive of PEI Fairs and Exhibitors and held the position of President for three years. She has been President of the Dundas Plowing Match for 11 years. Elaine is also a Group Leader for 4-H and active in the Council of Association of Nurses of PEI.