Volunteer Appreciation Awards Program

The following are quotes from the nomination forms that were submitted for Jean and show what a valued volunteer that Jean truely is.

"Jean is a stanch supporter across many sectors of our community. She tirelessly provides leadership, mentorship and labour to many groups through a variety of positions; ranging from chair, president, volunteer (worker bee) or simply “friend” providing a helping hand to many of our community organizations. She has been active in her leadership at Club 55+, St Andrews United Church, and mentorship/support to the Food Bank, Calabogie Seniors Support and the Library.

In addition to supporting the organizational support agencies in our community, she is a tireless contributor and supporter to many individual needs. During the Covid outbreak she made a conscious effort to reach out to many who were impacted and needed social connections – through simple phone calls, or through the United Church network.

Her continuity and experience in many community events contributes to their success: most specifically, her role in the Canada Day 2022 preparations. Her ability to bring to the committee past experiences, knowledge of community networks, share experiences of what has worked well, problem solving, volunteers need assessments, and her ability to bring about collaborative partnerships and volunteers has significantly contributed to the organizational success of the upcoming Canada Day event.

Jean exemplifies the strength and success of our community – one where we come together as a team to address challenges, a team to share the work load of “getting things done” and as a team to celebrate our communities’ strengths and successes.

Her days are filled with phone calls from a cross-sector of our community seeking advice or asking for her energetic energy to join in making things happen. Her collaborative nature and ability to bring people together coupled with her infectious energy continues to make our community a better place to call home."

"Jean has been actively involved with our club for many years. She initially volunteered as Dining Chair with our club and then she took on the role as Vice-President. Over the past four years, she has served as our President. Our Club is what we make of it -not more, not less. For some, it is a nice venue to meet socially at frequent intervals which serves to form new friendships, strengthen old ones and welcome new residents.

Jean solicits input and ideas from the members of the executive team and encourages active participation at all of our events. She has a positive mindset, and she sees opportunities instead of obstacles. Her positive attitude and optimistic outlook inspires people to get involved. Her involvement in our club extends to other sub-groups, namely the Monday craft group and the Santa Claus float committee. Her craft ideas are always warmly welcomed as she has a vast knowledge of craft ideas and knows how to implement them successfully. Her participation on our annual Christmas float is favourably received and she can be counted on to suggest new and innovative ideas to the committee. Following the annual parade, she volunteers her time and supplies to give the children a face to remember (via her face painting).

Not only is Jean actively involved in leading our 55+ club, she also supports many other areas within the community. With her connection and involvement in the Canada Day festivities and Barnet Gardens, she encourages the participation from our 55+ club members and gets great response and participation.

She does not know the meaning of the word "no" and will stop what she is doing to help out whenever and wherever needed.

Jean exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism. She has demonstrated that she can lead a group or simply blend in and roll up her sleeves to get the job done, demonstrating her ability to be a team leader and a team player."

"Jean is a tireless volunteer at our church- St. Andrews United in Calabogie. Jean is officially our Secretary and Treasurer, which are both unpaid positions, but Jean goes above and beyond the required work. During Covid restrictions Jean determined where everyone could sit in church, at safe distances. She, alone, determined a safe seating plan, and placed markers indicating where each person could sit. She also typed and distributed newsletters each month to keep us in contact with each other when we couldn't meet in person.

Jean is an active member of the Worship Committee, which organizes special services- Easter, Christmas, Church Anniversary etc.

Jean produces the agenda and minutes for our Church meetings - session and board. She has also been the Chair of our 3 point charge meetings. She is instrumental in dealing with issues that arise, fund raising activities, and general planning. Our Church would be much less active in our local community without her zest and drive."

The following is a quote from the nomination form that was submitted for the Calabogie Food Bank.

"This organization, and the volunteers that run it, provide a much appreciated service providing food for families, individuals and seniors in need. The emphasis on health and individual dietary needs highlights the care that is put into collecting and distributing food for those in need in this community.

Our goal in nominating this organization is to bring awareness about the need for the food bank in this area, to recognize the work that the volunteers who run it do, and through awareness to encourage others in the community to get involved in this organization by volunteering or by donating."