By Chloe Hannan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Guysborough Journal
TRACADIE: Scheduled for May 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Tracadie United Baptist Church Community Hall, the event invites community organizations to nominate one outstanding volunteer to be recognized by municipal council. The ceremony includes a meal and the presentation of certificates as a public expression of thanks.
Now in its third decade, the ceremony reflects how deeply volunteerism is woven into the daily functioning of small communities, like those across Guysborough County.
“There’s a lot of volunteer work that goes on throughout all of the municipality,” said Jeff Myers, MODG’s recreation programmer and facilities manager. “So, it’s important that the organizations doing this work get a chance to recognize the people that help them out.”
Each nominated volunteer receives a certificate, usually presented by a municipal councillor, alongside a reading of their contributions.
“It gives the volunteers gratification to keep doing what they’re doing,” Myers added. “And, one person is selected to go on to the provincial volunteer recognition ceremony in Halifax every year.”
In recent years, between 50 and 75 volunteers have been nominated annually.
“We wouldn’t have community halls, or minor ball or soccer programs without volunteers,” said Myers. “In the more rural parts of the municipality, especially, it makes a big difference what they do.”
Chris Cook, director of the Guysborough Historical Society, a long-standing organization that has participated in the ceremony for decades, agrees.
“There’s a board of directors behind everything,” Cook noted. “Hospital boards, fire departments, youth programs … it all runs because there are volunteers who believe the services are important and are willing to help guide the ship.”
For Myers, the volunteer recognition ceremony is about more than certificates. It’s a chance to publicly celebrate what often goes unseen but is felt throughout the year.
“It’s a small gesture,” he said, “but it’s meaningful. These people are helping to hold the community together.”
Residents or organizations interested in the event can contact Myers at jmyers@modg.ca or call 902-533-2088 for more information.