The Volunteer Spotlight Series shines a light on some of the incredible volunteers recognized through the Volunteer Recognition Program, sharing their stories and celebrating the meaningful contributions they make to West Nipissing.
Explore the profiles below to learn more about the people and groups who help make our community a better place.
The Dream Team category recognizes community groups whose members work together toward a shared purpose and create an impact that is greater than any one person could achieve alone. These groups remind us that when neighbours combine their ideas, energy and commitment, they can transform spaces, support people and strengthen the entire community.
For the past three years, No More Tears has created a place of support, dignity and belonging for vulnerable residents in West Nipissing.
Entirely volunteer-led, the organization assists people facing homelessness, housing instability, poverty, mental-health challenges, addiction and isolation. Volunteers operate a welcoming drop-in hub, prepare meals, coordinate clothing and hygiene supplies, provide peer support and connect people with essential services.
They also respond during extreme weather and have developed initiatives such as Pathway Forward to encourage personal growth, goal-setting and hope. At the heart of their work is a powerful commitment: to ensure no one feels invisible or left behind.
No More Tears demonstrates what compassion looks like when a community chooses to show up.
For more than 27 years, the Verner Beautification Committee has helped make Verner a place that residents are proud to call home.
This five-member team—including two members who have served since 1999—created and continues to maintain four community green spaces, municipal flowerpots, seasonal murals and decorations throughout the village. Their fundraising has supported banners, hanging baskets, benches and a sign honouring Olympian France Gareau.
They also welcome students seeking volunteer hours and organize community contests that bring neighbours together. Much of their work happens quietly (in meetings, gardens and behind the scenes), but its impact is visible everywhere.
The Verner Beautification Committee shows how a small, dedicated team can create lasting beauty, pride and community spirit.
The Rising Star category recognizes a volunteer aged 17 or younger who has already demonstrated generosity, initiative and a commitment to helping others. Young volunteers bring fresh ideas, energy and optimism to community service. They also remind us that leadership and kindness have no minimum age.
At only nine years old, Xavier Courchesne is already discovering the happiness that comes from helping others.
For approximately nine months, he has volunteered with Au Château’s Meals on Wheels program, joining an intergenerational team that delivers meals and companionship to seniors and vulnerable residents throughout West Nipissing.
Xavier enjoys knocking on clients’ doors, handing them their meals and seeing their smiles. He especially values their kind words because they show him that a simple act can make someone’s day better.
His message to other young people is wonderfully clear: volunteering helps people, makes you happy, can be fun and allows you to make a difference.
Xavier proves that community service has no minimum age, and that kindness learned early can last a lifetime.
The Heart of Gold category recognizes a volunteer aged 75 or older whose generosity and service reflect a lasting commitment to the community. This recognition honours not only the time that has been given, but also the wisdom, kindness and example that inspire others across generations.
For approximately 60 years, Cécile Allaire has shared her time, energy and joy with the people around her.
After moving to West Nipissing in 1965, she volunteered with the Ligue Jeunesse Féminine, later serving as president. For roughly 20 years, she has also been a dedicated member and president of Les Châtelaines at Au Château.
Cécile works tirelessly to keep the canteen running and ensures its proceeds return to residents through flowers, gifts, special treats and celebrations for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas and other occasions.
Just as importantly, she welcomes residents and visitors with a smile and a friendly conversation. Cécile volunteers because she loves meeting and helping people, and because helping others brings joy and makes you feel good.
The Community Champion category recognizes adult volunteers who consistently step forward to help, lead, organize, encourage and care for others. Some serve publicly and visibly, while others work quietly behind the scenes. In every case, their contribution helps make West Nipissing a better place to live.
Heidi began volunteering in the early 1980s and devoted more than 20 years to Field Regional Economic Development.
She cared for the gardens at the boat launch and Cenotaph, maintained the community advertising board, planted trees and flowers, organized craft shows and supported the Garden Club, 4-H and École Sainte-Marie’s parent committee.
As Field’s beloved postmaster, she went above and beyond for “her people,” while still finding time to bake cakes, support community events and quietly help neighbours facing cancer.
Heidi always showed up: generously, wholeheartedly and without seeking recognition. Her legacy remains visible in the community she helped beautify and in the many lives she touched.
She leaves very big shoes to fill and will be remembered with tremendous love.
Since moving to Sturgeon Falls in 2010, Valerie Larivière has become one of West Nipissing’s most dependable volunteers.
She has served the Legion, Literacy Alliance, West Nipissing Food Bank, Sturgeon Falls Beautification Committee and the Clothing Room; contributing the equivalent of more than 40 years of service across those organizations.
Valerie helps with Legion fundraising and meals, serves as vice-president of the Food Bank, receives and sorts deliveries, picks up donations, prepares distributions and supports major food drives. She can also be found cleaning and planting downtown or sorting clothing for families in need.
Valerie volunteers to stay active, connected and able to help others. Her consistency, humility and willingness to step forward make her a true Community Champion.
Simone Dumont has played a leading role in building West Nipissing’s growing pickleball community. For the past three years, she has dedicated roughly eight hours most weeks to teaching beginners, coaching intermediate players and leading drill sessions.
Behind every lesson are additional hours spent researching exercises and adapting instruction so players can build skill, confidence and enjoyment.
Her dedication has helped membership grow while creating an active, welcoming and social environment filled with encouragement; and plenty of laughter.
Simone’s service also extends to Club Richelieu Sturgeon Falls, where she has been a member since 2014 and served as president in 2024 and 2025. Whether on the court or through Club Richelieu, Simone brings people together through energy, leadership and a genuine love of community.
Yvette Rochefort’s commitment to service began after the 1979 flood, when she joined the Recreation Committee and helped support a new community playground. Since then, she has devoted decades to Field and its residents.
Yvette served more than 25 years with Field First Response, volunteered 22 years at the River Valley Bluegrass Festival’s first-aid station and has supported the Field Carnival for more than 25 years. She is also a long-time volunteer with the seniors’ club, helping prepare and serve weekly breakfasts.
Her kindness extends beyond organized events: she brings meals to neighbours, helps clean homes and offers comfort during illness or difficult times.
Yvette embodies the belief that strong communities are built through compassion, service and neighbours caring for one another.
Katherine Clark’s volunteer journey began with family cleanups and a desire to make her community more welcoming. Over approximately 10 years, that commitment has grown to include local events, fundraisers and youth initiatives.
Her greatest contribution has been founding West Nipissing Dream Catchers Youth Theatre, creating affordable and accessible opportunities for young people to explore the arts, build confidence and discover their strengths.
Alongside her partner Aimee, Katherine directs productions, mentors performers, organizes volunteers and creates a safe place where every child can belong. Dream Catchers has also led Canada Day activities and a Seniors Prom that brought youth, seniors and local businesses together.
Katherine reminds us that volunteering creates opportunities, and often changes the volunteer just as much as the people they serve.
Diane Baronette has been giving back to Cache Bay and West Nipissing for approximately 35 years. Her service began with the Cache Bay Steering Committee and continued through 13 years with the Cache Bay Volunteer Firefighters Association, supporting bingos, dances, raffles and fundraising for community projects: including the park and splash pad enjoyed today.
Since joining the Cache Bay United 50 Club in 2022, Diane has helped revitalize the organization. Under her leadership, monthly bingos have generated more than $70,000 for breakfast programs, bursaries and local causes.
She also helped advance a new Cenotaph, club renovations, activities and the annual visit from Santa. Diane leads by organizing, listening and bringing people together, and is always quick to credit the many volunteers beside her.
Alexandria Gingras is the founder and president of West Nipissing Baseball, an initiative she began developing in 2023 and officially launched in 2024.
As a mother of five, Alexandria saw an opportunity to create a fun, inclusive and positive program where local children could learn the game, build confidence, make friendships and feel that they belong.
She built the league from the ground up and continues to dedicate countless hours to organizing, mentoring, fundraising, planning events and supporting families.
Alexandria leads with kindness, patience and determination, and the league continues to grow because of her vision and hard work. She reminds anyone considering volunteering not to underestimate their impact; even a small amount of time can make a meaningful difference in someone else’s life.
For more than 12 years, Paul Paiement has quietly cared for the Sturgeon Falls Beach and Park because he wants his neighbourhood and municipality to look their best. He later joined Friends of the Sturgeon Falls Beach, the West Nipissing Beautification Group and the Sturgeon Falls Rod and Gun Club.
Paul helps with beach and downtown cleanups, trail maintenance, snowshoe and ski-trail grooming, equipment care and upkeep of the club grounds.
Retirement gave him an opportunity to stay active, work outdoors and build friendships with people who share his values. Paul approaches every task with energy, focus and good humour. His advice is simple: if you are passionate about something, do something about it; and make sure you enjoy the work.