GLACE BAY, N.S.
Twelve Cape Bretoners were among 77 Nova Scotians who were recognized during the 44th annual provincial volunteer awards ceremony in Halifax on Monday.
Mike Kelloway, chair of bayitforward in Glace Bay, was one of two people nominated by the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
Cyril MacDonald of Albert Bridge was also nominated by the CBRM. MacDonald is active in learn to run programs and volunteers with Special Olympics.
Kelloway said Cape Breton was well represented at the awards ceremony including an entire family from Eskasoni.
“You are there in awe of what a lot of people are doing without recognition and pay in the province from Yarmouth to Glace Bay. It’s pretty impressive.”
Kelloway was recognized for his volunteer work over the last 25 years with various organizations and most recently with economic development initiatives as chair of bayitforward.
“It’s humbling to be recognized doing something you’d do regardless but it’s nice to be acknowledged,” he said.
Kelloway said the ceremony was emotional at times. He was especially moved by the story of a Digby man who has been a volunteer for the last 60 years.
“This is what it’s all about. The province is powered ultimately by people who give of themselves and to be in a room where everybody is doing that was pretty inspiring.”
Kelloway said the award winners were told that per capita people volunteer their time more in Nova Scotia than any other province in Canada.
For the first time the provincial ceremony included volunteers nominated by First Nation communities. The 2018 family volunteer award recipients were the seven-member Johnson family from Eskasoni, who were recognized for their years of contributions to the culture and well-being of the community.
Family members have been involved in the interact school program, the Mi’kmaq Legal Support Network talking circles, meals on wheels for elders and fundraisers for many causes.
In a press release from the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage, Carole Anne Johnson said the value of volunteering in their community is priceless as it is a means of paying it forward.
“We were shown the same example of decency and humanity from our community members when we lost our daughter 24 years ago which has always been our family’s motivation.”
Lt. Gov. Arthur LeBlanc, Premier Stephen McNeil and Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leo Glavine attended the ceremony and addressed the recipients.
“Please continue to give, the work by all our volunteers makes our province a richer and caring place in which to live,” said LeBlanc.
McNeil said Nova Scotians are fortunate to live in a province that volunteers as it does, describing the recipients as “shining examples of that spirt, helping strengthen our communities and enriching the lives of so many.”
AWARD WINNERS
Volunteers nominated by municipalities and First Nations in Cape Breton for the 2018 Provincial Volunteer Awards Ceremony:
• Cape Breton Regional Municipality – Mike Kelloway and Cyril MacDonald
• Port Hawkesbury – Kelly McIntyre Hayes
• Richmond County – Debbie Samson
• Victoria County – Percy Rasmussen
• Inverness County – John Joe Gillis
• We’koqma’q First Nation – Steven Googoo
• Membertou First Nation – Carolyn Paul
• Wagmatcook First Nation – Kimberley Denny
• Eskasoni First Nation – Dante Joe-Pierro
• Membertou First Nation – Carolyn Paul
• Potlotek First Nation – Lori Doucette
• 2018 family volunteer award —Johnson family from Eskasoni
