LITTLE CURRENT—The upper hall of the NEMI Recreation Centre was packed with volunteers being celebrated by the municipality for their efforts on behalf of the community on the evening of Wednesday, April 9—but there was one very special individual in attendance. Longtime community volunteer Carol Sheppard was honoured as Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands’ Volunteer of the Year.’
Northeast Town Mayor Al MacNevin presented Ms. Sheppard with a certificate of appreciation recognizing her for a lifetime of volunteerism and longstanding contributions to Island communities. Although Mayor MacNevin said he would keep the nominee secret until he finished “my two-hour speech,” there were few in the room who did not twig to who the honouree would be shortly after he began.
“So, this nominee for volunteer of the year works endlessly to make NEMI a better place for all of us,” said Mayor MacNevin. “Whether it was in helping to set up the horse show ring in Little Current beside the rec centre, which continues to be used for different events, volunteering with the museum committee in Sheguiandah with various events as well as helping with planning many events and maintaining the flowerbeds each year. She’s also a volunteer at the Sheguiandah Seniors’ Hall, helps with events that happen there and has played an integral part in the preservation of the Rockville Hall.”
“As I go along, I’m sure you’re going to figure this out—she has organized fundraising events annually to help cover the maintenance cost of the hall, and she doesn’t mind getting your hands dirty in terms of helping spruce the place up every year,” the mayor continued. “She plants and takes care of flower boxes in front of that hall and has successfully applied for several grants to help cover the costs of structural repairs. She also organizes garbage cleanups from the ditches on Rockville Road—that’s your last clue. She welcomes new members to the community and brings fresh baked goodies to neighbors on a regular basis. I’m sure there are other organizations or events that she volunteers with that I’m not aware of—she’s always busy helping our community but still finds lots of time to spend with their grandchildren. Carol is a very kind and generous person who could do anything for anyone. And I believe she’s a great candidate for the award that was the nominator, and as Carol Sheppard wouldn’t mind coming up here.”
Mayor MacNevin then presented Ms. Sheppard with her certificate of recognition on behalf of the communities of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands.
“I would like to thank you for your selfless dedication to improving the lives of others and the countless hours you’ve contributed through your volunteerism, helping build our strong and vibrant communities,” he said.
Ms. Sheppard was obviously surprised by the presentation and declined to say anything more than a humble “thank you,” before sitting back with the friends and family who had come out that evening to witness her honour.
