2023 Nominees
Kristen Morrison
"What keeps me motivated about volunteering my time is that someone did it for me and I owe the time back. I owe the sport for all the lessons I learned along the way in my sporting journey. There were many ups and downs but sports were always there for me. Many of the best memories of my life came from being involved in sports. The court, field and ice were my comfort zones and I want to be there for the youth so they have a comfort zone to rely on when life gets hard.
Q: “ What I would like to say to anyone thinking about volunteering?”
A: “ It's not about you, it's about the youth. Don't judge yourself and talk yourself out of it. If you don't volunteer, who will? Time passes quickly so stop hesitating. There are never too many volunteers and the youth need your time more than you know. Take a chance and start with one hour until it becomes a habit."
| FORT SIMPSON|
2022 Nominees
Al Karasiuk
Dominic Wetrade
Melissa Johns
"The Lawrie Hobart Volleyball Tournament (LHVT) is a larger event that is fun, high energy, and positive. It's also a great opportunity to showcase
Fort Smith thanks to the numerous generous volunteers that help out as much as they can, based on their interest and availability."
Q: “How did get involved with volunteering?”
A: “I started volunteering when I started teaching. It was a great way to build trust and connections with students outside of the classroom but also helped in the classroom during school hours.”
| FORT SMITH |
Melissa Johns
Dominic Wetrade
Melissa Johns
“ Volunteering is an opportunity to build relationships with others who share your values! Creating opportunities for our children requires volunteers, commitment, and an eager heart! Get involved!! ”
Q: “How did get involved with volunteering?”
A: “I started volunteering with Fort Smith Minor Hockey Association in 2014 when my son started to play hockey. There was a need for a Division Manager and I put my name forward. I find motivation from the youth (and my son) in my community! Ensuring all participants are registered, insured, and ready to skate!”
| FORT SMITH |
Dominic Wetrade
Dominic Wetrade
Rachel Daigneault-Durocher
“I have been involved with recreation since 2020. I really enjoy participating in recreation and advocating for it in Gameti.”
Q: “How did your first experience hosting the Mackenzie Youth Dene Games go?”
A: “I really enjoyed how independent the youth grew during the Mackenzie Youth Dene Games, and happy that MRA was able to visit our community and host programs.”
| GAMETI |
Rachel Daigneault-Durocher
Rachel Daigneault-Durocher
Rachel Daigneault-Durocher
“I like to see everyone come together for the love of the sport. My favorite thing about the community and volunteering is forming a “family” with teammates, and spectators. I love watching the young ones taking over the sport, especially my two boys.”
Q: Fun Fact -
"I have been volunteering for over 11 years."
| HAY RIVER |
Jackie Whelly
Rachel Daigneault-Durocher
Jackie Whelly
“I enjoy volunteering my time to soccer and the youth of Fort Simpson because I have always liked to play soccer and grew up in a soccer-orientated household. I had many opportunities to play and compete, now I want to give those same opportunities and more to the youth”
Q: What is your favourite thing about the recreation community?
A: “Spending time with the youth and giving my personal children time to spend with good role models”
| FORT SIMPSON |