Celebrating a few of the many who make a difference
Mayor Dave Corkum presents Valerie Despres with the Municipality's Volunteer of the Year Award.
More than a dozen dedicated volunteers were the special guests at the annual volunteer awards celebration hosted by the Municipality of the County of Kings.
Each year, the Municipality invites community organizations to submit their nominations for three main volunteer awards: Youth Volunteer of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Ted Meldum Volunteer of the Year.
This year Valerie Despres was recognized as Volunteer of the Year; Phoenix Barkhouse, Youth Volunteer of the Year; and Gloria Field was recognized as Ted Meldrum Volunteer of the Year.
“We have an outstanding group of volunteers that do some fantastic work for the benefit of their
communities. I don’t know where we would be without them and the fantastic work they do,” said Mayor Dave Corkum. “Volunteering truly makes a difference.”
Other special people nominated for this year’s awards were: John Brown; Ralph Comeau; Melinda Cote; Piper Durling; Sara Fraser; Brenda Griffin; Shelley Hardy; Tara Hirtle; Sherry Martin; and Nan Smith.
Award winners are chosen based on overall years of service, variety and impact of service, and time committed to volunteerism.
Our Volunteer of the Year
Brenda Griffin was nominated for Volunteer of the Year by the Hall's Harbour Community Development Association, but Brenda has made outstanding contributions to other community groups, including Volunteer Nova Scotia and the Kings Volunteer Resource Centre.
Brenda played a pivotal role in facilitating interactions between Acadia University students and community members, organizing focus groups, and leading public meetings for waterfront climate change initiatives.
Her positivity, problem solving skills, and dedication are evident in her volunteer work. She has served on several boards and committees, including the Kings Volunteer Resource Centre, where she chairs and champions the work of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
She has volunteered for the Special Olympics, Kings County Caregiver Support Group, and other local organizations.