Heart of Gold awards recognize community`s unsung heroes

01/06/2015
Orleans Online | Local News
Volume 12 Week 5
Saturday, May 30
(Posted 1:30 p.m., May 22)
Heart of Gold awards
recognize community's
unsung heroes
By Fred Sherwin
Orléans Online
If you've never heard of Loretta Chow's name before, don't
worry she prefers it that way.
View last year's
recipients
Although you likely don't know her name, there's a good chance you've
benefitted from her extensive community involvement, especially if you live in
Fallingbrook.
Over the past 20 years, Loretta has donated many hundreds of hours of her
time as a volunteer at the Fallingbrook Community Elementary School, Sir
Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School, the Fallingbrook Community Association
and the Greater Orléans Canada Day Celebration, all in total anonymity until
Wednesday.
Updated May 27
The veteran community volunteer was among 81 fellow local residents who
were honoured by Ottawa-Orléans MP Royal Galipeau for their selflessness,
commitmnt and dedication during the annual Heart of Gold awards.
Loretta began volunteering at Fallingbrook Community Elementary School,
where all of her children went to school, shortly after moving to Orléans in
1995.
Before long, she became friends with Fallingbrook Community Association
president Zybina Richards, who recruited her to help organize the
Fallingbrook Family Fun Day and the organization's annual Canada Day
celebration which evolved into the Greater Orléans event on Petrie Island.
"She's a dedicated, hard-working member of the Fallingbrook-Orléans
community who has given of herself unselfishly," says Richards. "She gives
hours and hours uncondtionally and doesn't expect anything in return. In fact,
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Updated Apr. 20
hours and hours uncondtionally and doesn't expect anything in return. In fact,
she was so irritated when I nominated her, she was like 'Why did you do
this?', and I told her because you deserve it."
As for the recipient herself, Loretta was simply both proud of her record of
volunteerism and appreciative of the award.
"It's very rewarding. I'm very touched," said Loretta, who still gets just as
much out of volunteering as she outs into it. "It's very rewarding in so many
ways and I've made a lot of wonderful friends along the way."
Posted May 25
If given the
opportunity
would you boost
your Canada
Pension Plan
contributions?
Yes, it's a great
way to save for
my retirement
A total of 81 volunteers were recognized in 13 different categories during the
award ceremony, including Chris, Jacqueline and Éric Goneau.
Chris Goneau is the lead organizer of the Orléans Terry Fox Run which takes
place every September in Fallingbrook, but the cancer survivor was honoured
along his wife and their son for the work they've done in honour of their
daughter and sister Valérie Goneau who succumbed to cancer shortly after
her 20th birthday in 2011.
After she died, her family started Valérie's Flutter Foundation which raises
money and awareness in the battle against rare forms of cancer, while
encouraging people of all ages to pursue their dreams and get the most out of
life because you never know how long it will last.
No, I don't trust
the federal
government to
look after my
money
See results
vote
customer surv ey
Chris, Jacqueline and Eric Goneau receive their Heart of Gold
certificates from Ottawa-Orleans MP Royal Galipeau on Wednesday
night. Fred Sherwin/Photo
Ottawa-Orléans
Royal Galipeau
Other Heart of Gold recipients included Do More Canada and Greater Orleans
Canada Day organizer Kellie Sarazin; Michel Labbé from Do More Canada;
Qamar Masood and Bilal Khan from the Orléans Multicultural Association;
Gloucester Emergency Food Cupboard volunteer Pat Gregoire; Cumberland
Lions Club member Charlotte Kerluke; and Gloucester Allotment Garden
Association president George Bushell.
A complete list of recipients and their biographies are listed below...
Mariette Leclerc-Lavigne
'École élémentaire catholique l'Étoile-de-l'Est d'Orléans
Une enseignante de musique à l'École élémentaire catholique l'Étoile-de-l'Est
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Une enseignante de musique à l'École élémentaire catholique l'Étoile-de-l'Est
d'Orléans fait résonner son nom. Mariette Lavigne a reçu en 2013 le prix
Jean-Claude Proulx.
Cette récompense, créée en 2002 par le Conseil des écoles catholique du
Centre-Est (CECCE), vise à reconnaitre la fois l'implication dans l'éducation
et la foi catholique. En plus d'enseigner la musique à ses élèves, Mme
Lavigne s'investit dans la mobilisation du personnel et des élèves dans
diverses activités catholiques. "J'essaye d'aider le plus possible aux
préparations de communions, de confirmations et à la messe de Noël." Elle
est aussi très engagée dans son école ainsi que dans la paroisse SaintClaude.
George Bushell
Gloucester Allotment Gardens
George Bushel is recognized for 33 years of continuous service as the
President of the Gloucester Allotment Garden Association. As well as
providing an outstanding space for local, community-spirited, organic
gardeners, George has also preserved a pleasant green space for walkers to
enjoy within Blackburn Hamlet. He is an avid gardener, and has written many
articles on organic gardening and good gardening practice.
Loretta Chow
Fallingbrook Community Association
Loretta is an extraordinary resident of Orléans who gives unselfishly to her
community. A single mother, Loretta has been very active volunteering in her
daughters' elementary school on a daily basis and continued to do so even
after they moved on to High School. She helps out tremendously with her
youngest soccer team. As if that wasn't enough, Loretta has been
volunteering with Greater Orléans Canada Day, Kiwanis sKreamers Haunted
Event and Carivibe. A true testament to what true volunteerism is, I truly
believe that Loretta Chow is deserving of the Hearts of Gold Volunteer Award.
Sean Crossan
Cardinal Creek Community Association
Sean Crossan is clearly an outstanding volunteer, but more than that he is an
exemplary leader in our community. As founder of the Cardinal Creek
Community Association, and current President, he has continually
demonstrated over the last 10 years his dedication to our Association and
has tirelessly and selflessly contributed to making Cardinal Creek a better
place to live, work and play. Mr. Crossan leads by example through his
personally high level of involvement in and commitment to every activity and
initiative the CCCA takes on, embraces every opportunity for improvement
with gusto and inspires all members of the Board to achieve to the highest
levels. He serves with distinction in his efforts to give to the community and
there is no one more deserving to receive the Orléans 2015 Heart of Gold
Award!
Sandra Stefanik
Cardinal Creek Community Association
Sandra Stefanik is the vice-president of the Cardinal Creek Community
Association (CCCA). Since joining the CCCA board last year, Sandy has
invigorated the Association and community with her positive attitude,
excellent organization skills and a desire to make thecommunity a better
place to live. In addition to her role as VP, she is the newsletter editor and
helps organize key events like the Cardinal Creek Community Park grand
opening and BBQ and the first ever Cardinal Creek Hockey Day in Orléans.
Marie Charrette
Rendez-vous des aînés francophones d'Ottawa (RAFO)
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Elle est la coordonnatrice des voyages au RAFO. Marie fait une carrière en
bénévolat depuis plusieurs années. Grande Dame bénévole, elle se dévoue à
plusieurs causes. Elle s'est jointe au RAFO en tant que coordonnatrice des
voyages en 2010. Nous apprécions son accueil, son sens d'organisation et le
temps qu'elle donne au service de nos membres. Merci pour ta générosité
Marie, tu as vraiment un cœur d'or!
Benoit Pinsonneault
Ottawa Voyageurs Walking Club
Benoit has filled different positions within the club and is currently in his
second year as the OVO Secretary. With his wealth of experience he is a
mentor to the other walkers with the club. Benoit is enthusiastic and highly
committed to whatever he is involved with.
Henri & Sylvette Labbé
Orleans Shopping Centre Mall Walking Club
Henri and Sylvette have being opening and setting up the room for the
Orléans Mall Walking Club for last 8 to 10 years. Without their help, the Club
would not be a success. They also help at all are events from the opening in
October to the end of May.
John Proulx
Gloucester North Lions Club
John Proulx, a Lion since 1982, and a member of the Gloucester North Lions
Club, has devoted many hours to the community and sister Lion Clubs.
Some examples include the Magical Village, Navan Fair, Vision Screening
and White Cane Day. John is most deserving of the 2015 Hearts of Gold
Award.
Richard Giguère et Marielle Champagne
Mouvement d'implication francophones d'Orléans
Richard Giguère et Marielle Champagne sont complices dans la vie et
partagent la même passion, celle de donner de leur temps aux autres. Leur
engagement au sein du Mouvement d'implication francophone d'Orléans
(MIFO) leur a valu le prix Bénévole de l'année lors de la dernière édition du
gala Contact Ontarois. Pour leur grande implication, LeDroit et ICI RadioCanada leur décernent le titre de Personnalité de la semaine.
Marjolaine Adam
MIFO
Marjolaine Adam a à cœur le MIFO et notamment le CSMO : engagée au
sein du comité consultatif, elle apporte des idées nouvelles. Impliquée sur le
comité des bénévoles, Marjolaine accueille le mardi les participants aux
activités. En fournissant de nouveaux contacts et en distribuant notre
programmation, Marjolaine fait rayonner notre organisme.
Michel Labbé
Do More Canada Inc.
Michel Labbé is a respected educator at Beatrice Desloges High School. As
a history teacher Michel brought with him his passion and knowledge
regarding the conflict in Darfur, Sudan. As Education Coordinator he has
ensured that all information provided to the public has been factual based
upon our partnership with the Sudan Task Force & Foreign Affairs. As well,
Michel's contribution as Vice President also led to the success of this
organization's incorporation and all community events which raised
awareness and financial support for organizations such as War Child Canada
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awareness and financial support for organizations such as War Child Canada
& Care Canada. Michel is an excellent role model for all young adults and his
compassion for the people of Darfur is heartfelt.
Natalie and Georges AbouAssali
Do More Canada Inc.
River Pizza
Established in 1984, River Pizza is an independently owned family business
operating in Ottawa's east end. For the past five years Natalie and Georges
AbouAssali have been Exclusive Hospitality Sponsors for all of the Do More
Canada Inc. events. Our volunteers, stage crew and performers were treated
to the "Best Pizza" in Orléans. River Pizza's generous support enabled our
organization to provide awareness regarding the on-going conflict in Darfur,
Sudan. Natalie and Georges have huge hearts of gold and we thank you both
for all that you have done for us.
Jeanne Rancourt
Filles D'Isabelle, Cercle Notre-Dame du Sacré-Cœur #1296
C'est avec grand plaisir que nous vous présentons Jeanne Rancourt. Jeanne
est membre des Filles d'Isabelle du Cercle Notre-Dame du Sacré-Coeur
#1296 depuis 1981 elle a toujours été une membre très active. Elle occupe
présentement le poste de Porte-Bannière et Jeanne le remplit à merveille.
C'est une personne qui donne toujours du 150 % dans tout ce qu'elle
entreprend, elle est toujours prête à aider les autres et ce, toujours avec un
grand sourire. Elle est définitivement un atout pour notre organisme.
Ann McConnell
Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre
Ann is a volunteer with the seniors programs at the Resource Centre; she
volunteers in the adult day program for seniors with early dementia; and she
drives seniors to medical appointments. Ann has also been very helpful to the
centre by volunteering at fundraising events. Ann's pleasant personality, her
commitment to the Resource Centre and to the Centre's clients makes her a
valued volunteer. Everyone enjoys working with Ann, clients and staff alike.
Lieutenant Jason Deblois
632 Phoenix Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron
Lieutenant Jason Deblois has volunteered with 632 Air Cadet Squadron for
over five years now. During this time, he has played an important role in the
delivery of training to our youth. Lt Deblois has also employed his
organizational skills as Administration Officer, and used these skills towards
planning and running major activities. His commitment has been instrumental
toward upholding the values of the Canadian Cadet Organisations. 632
Squadron has over 165 youth members enrolled, both boys and girls aged 12
to 18 and from different backgrounds. As a proud resident of Orléans, Lt
Deblois enjoys helping our local youth strive to become the best citizen that
they can be.
Lieutenant Ryan Pascal
632 Phoenix Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron
Lieutenant Ryan Pascal has volunteered with 632 Air Cadet Squadron for over
five years now. During this time, he has played an important role in the
delivery of training to our youth. With his pleasant personality and positive
demeanor, Lt Pascal has had a strong influence on our group's morale and
overall esprit de corps. Lt Pascal often oversees the planning of major
activities which have successfully achieved their goals. His commitment has
been instrumental toward upholding the values of the Canadian Cadet
Organisations. 632 Squadron has over 165 youth members enrolled, both
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Organisations. 632 Squadron has over 165 youth members enrolled, both
boys and girls aged 12 to 18 and from different backgrounds. As a proud
resident of Orléans, Lt Pascal enjoys helping our local youth strive to become
the best citizen that they can be.
Lieutenant Tanya Brook's
632 Phoenix Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron
Lieutenant Tanya Brook's has been an Officer with 632 Air Cadet Squadron
for 3 years now. During this time, she has played an important role in the
delivery of training to our youth. Lt Brook's has been a caring and dedicated
staff member, looking after the welfare of our youth and making sure that their
concerns are addressed and that they receive the best possible mentorship
and training we can offer. She has planned and executed major development
training activities which have proven to help our cadets in their professional
development. Lt Brook's commitment has been instrumental toward upholding
the values of the Canadian Cadet Organisations. 632 Squadron has over 165
youth members enrolled, both boys and girls aged 12 to 18 and from different
backgrounds. As a proud resident of Orléans, Lt Brook's enjoys helping our
local youth strive to become the best citizen that they can be.
Brigitte Légaré
Hôpital Montfort
En 2009, le Service des bénévoles a l'honneur et le grand privilège d'accueillir
parmi son équipe dynamique de bénévoles, une dame exceptionnelle
nouvellement retraitée, Mme Brigitte Légaré. Dès 2010, Mme Légaré accepte
généreusement la présidence de l'Association des bénévoles de l'Hôpital
Montfort, qui compte plus de 300 bénévoles et dont la mission est d'améliorer
la qualité de vie des patients et des employés de l'hôpital. L'Association des
bénévoles appuie également le Centre de soins de longue durée Montfort.
Mme Légaré s'implique corps et âme dans de nombreux dossiers sans
attendre quoi que ce soit en retour. Le Service des bénévoles de l'Hôpital
Montfort est fier de souligner l'excellence et l'inlassable dévouement de ce
cœur d'or qu'est Mme Brigitte Légaré.
Asha Jain
Gloucester Association for Children with special needs
The GACSN is a group dedicated to providing Special Needs Children with a
fun Saturday afternoon of swimming, crafts, and meeting friends. The program
has been running for over 20 years. For the last four years Asha Jain has
been GACSN Volunteer Coordinator. She dedicates countless hours
promoting our program, through multiple media campaigns/interviews. Her
efforts have resulted in 1:1 volunteer/participant ratio. Big-hearted and always
giving; she organizes special needs youth dances; contributing the proceeds
to help other special needs programs.
Rémi Beaudin
Gloucester Dragons Recreational Soccer
Rémi Beaudin has been volunteering with the Gloucester Dragons Soccer
club for more than 10 years, first as a coach and then as equipment
manager. He is the heart (of gold) of the soccer club and a tireless volunteer
for the Orléans community. Every child who gains some self-confidence:
every year he designs new medals for the kids. He also designs, orders and
distributes the uniforms to our more than 2000 players, ensuring proper sizing
and no colour conflict. This does not happen overnight. At season's end, he
sorts and cleans the equipment and organizes donations of our slightly used
equipment to developing countries, touching kids around the world. He is the
MVP of the Gloucester Dragons.
Amy Hall
Divine Infant Parish
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Divine Infant Parish
Amy is a dedicated leader in our Children's program and coordinates our
successful young mothers Bible Study program. She and her husband are an
integral part of our marriage preparation team at the parish and Diocesan
level. Amy's joyful heart and giving spirit are an inspiration to everyone.
Jonathas Vigne
Centre Réveil International
Nous soulignons le travail exceptionnel de cet homme dévoué, serviable et
fidèle qui sert en tant que bénévole au niveau du département des finances. Il
aide dans l'organisation de différents évènements, pourvoit au maintien de la
sécurité et au bon fonctionnement des services de l'Église. Il rend également
service aux veuves et femmes monoparentales de notre assemblée. Toutes
nos sincères félicitations !
Hermina Mihalik
Grace Presbyterian Church
Hermina's faith is an inspiration and despite her own personal challenges,
she willingly and humbly serves in many ways to enrich the ministry at
Grace: using her gifts of decorating and gardening to enhance our
surroundings; her many years of leadership in the Ladies' Craft Group as well
as the Ladies' Bible Study; the invaluable support through her prayer ministry
and serving as bookkeeper to assist the Church Treasurer.
Yvon et Pierrette Bédard
Société Saint-Vincent-da-Paul d'Orléans, Conférence Jésus-MarieJoseph
Ils sont des membres de la Société depuis plusieurs années. Yvon, retraité
de l'industrie de l'immeuble et Pierrette, retraitée de l'enseignement, se sont
joints de sitôt comme bénévoles dès leur retraite. C'est un couple très
énergétique qui propage la joie auprès des Vincentiens à tout moment. Yvon
est trésorier depuis plusieurs années. En plus de s'occuper du bien-être
financier de notre conférence, il s'affaire également au cours de l'année à
visiter des familles dans le besoin et livrer les marchandises à domicile.
Pierrette demeure très active dans la conférence. Responsable des
téléphonistes, elle se préoccupe aussi de la préparation et distribution des
paniers de Noël avec une immense équipe. Elle voit aussi, avec d'autres
comités, au bon déroulement de la Guignolée et s'assure que les paniers
sont bien reçus par les familles requérantes. Pour ces raisons et plusieurs
autres que le temps ne nous permet pas d'élaborer, nous avons l'honneur de
vous présenter le couple Pierrette et Yvon Bédard comme récipiendaires au
Gala des Cœurs d'Or 2015.
Nicole Laferrière
Filles d'Isabelle - Cercle Sainte-Marie 1395
Membre depuis la fondation de notre cercle en 1999, Nicole a dirigé le cercle
comme régente et aujourd'hui elle occupe le poste de musicienne. Nicole
remplit son mandat à merveille et siège sur notre comité liturgique. Nicole est
une personne toujours prête à aider les autres. Elle est fiable, dévouée et
généreuse de son temps. Nicole prête aussi sa voix à la chorale de la messe
de 10 h 30 à notre paroisse. Elle fait aussi partie de la Société Saint-Vincentda-Paul , qui sert les plus démunis de notre région. Nous sommes fières de
souligner son beau travail avec les Filles d'Isabelle. Bravo Nicole.
Gérald Lafrance
Club 60 Orléans
Gérald Lafrance est un membre très dévoué et indispensable à l'organisation
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Gérald Lafrance est un membre très dévoué et indispensable à l'organisation
de notre club comme du Conseil d'administration et surtout, comme
président. Il a été président de 2007 à 2011 et maintenant, depuis septembre
2014. Tu mérites amplement de recevoir la décoration de " Cœur d'Or ".
Merci et félicitations.
Yvonne Fournier
Club Richelieu d'Orléans
Nous nominons Yvonne Fournier à l'occasion du Gala des Cœurs d'Or.
Yvonne est présentement présidente du Club Richelieu Orléans. Elle se
dévoue inlassablement pour assurer le succès du club et l'épanouissement
de ses membres. Dynamique et chaleureuse, elle est une organisatrice hors
pair qui ne compte jamais ses heures. Yvonne est aussi la grande
planificatrice du souper de homard annuel de notre club qui attire 450
personnes pour un gala maintenant célèbre à Orléans. Cette activité qu'elle
coordonne avec doigté remporte à chaque année un grand succès en plus de
recueillir plus de douze mille dollars pour nos œuvres qui s'adressent
principalement à la jeunesse francophone d'Orléans. Nous devons à Yvonne
la vitalité et l'énergie d'un club social qui fait sa marque à Orléans. Bravo
Yvonne !
Lise Lagroix
Paroisse Sainte-Marie
Lise Lagroix contribue à la vie liturgique en assumant diverses fonctions lors
de nos célébrations. Elle offre ses services à l'accueil, organise les fêtes
paroissiales, préside la fête des bénévoles et la messe multiculturelle. Cette
grande dame est un modèle qui transmet son savoir, son talent et son
énergie positive.
(This story was made possible thank s to the generous support of our local
business partners.)
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