This Section:

2009 Nominee Finalists

We would like to thank everyone for their participation in the Celebrating Communities 2009 award nomination process. The Conference was an exciting opportunity to meet the finalists and celebrate their achievements. As you will see from the following video, telling your story on camera can be as challenging as getting a community project off the ground! A fun time was had by all. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists. Great work !

Use the red tags on the interactive map to see the video reels about each of the 19 finalists for the 2009 Awards.

We would like to encourage you to submit nominations for the next round of nominations in 2011.

Stayed tuned for more updates!

Client Service Excellence

Winner

New Ross Family Resource Centre WINNER

The New Ross Family Resource Centre cares for the people of New Ross and area by providing the services of a free nurse practitioner and many other programs. A non-profit organization, the centre makes sure that the area’s 1,200 citizens can participate in their community by donating blood, keeping fit and by publishing a monthly newsletter. Located in an old school, a small group of dedicated volunteers, working with very limited funds, have successfully run the centre since 1997. A part-time coordinator runs the facility with the help of board members, and offers programs suitable for every age from pre-school to seniors with teens and adults in between. The resource centre brings services bring to this rural community that many people in large cities take for granted. The provincial Ross Farm museum and the local school applaud the centre’s efforts in improving the well being of the community.

Ron Levy - HONOURABLE MENTION

A life-long champion for community service, Ron Levy has had a lasting impact on Pictou County, especially its disabled citizens. He was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1973, and since then has worked to improve community accessibility and support services for all people in Pictou County with disabilities. He has had a key leadership role with many of the currently existing programs and services including an outdoor recreation park, the Let Abilities Work organization, Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunities, the Nova Scotia Community Based Transportation Association and the Central Highland Association for the Disabled (CHAD). Though his work with CHAD he helped to establish a public transit system for seniors and those with disabilities. At age 71, he continues to work for change his community, to make life better for all who live there.

Bonnie Anderson - FINALIST

The work of Public Health nutritionist and community developer Bonnie Anderson, exemplifies the meaning of excellence in client services. A board member of the United Way of Halifax Region, Bonnie’s drive has lead to flu shot clinics being offered through family resource centres. Bonne is recognized for her ability to really listen and to treat people with respect. A believer in the strength of people, even in dire circumstances, Bonnie’s influence is felt across Metro Halifax. Bonnie connects people with ideas, information and can influence others. Wise and articulate, Bonnie has been involved in countless partnerships and projects from delivering nutrition education sessions for moms, to facilitating pre-natal nutrition classes for expectant mothers. Her ability to see the positive and strengths in everyone makes her clients feel that they always count.

John Dobrowolski - FINALIST

On the Eastern Shore, when they say Mr. D, it can only mean John Dobrowolski. For 18 years, Mr. D. has been community volunteer extraordinaire. Honest, dedicated and giving describes Dobrowski who cycled from Halifax to Texas for three cancer charities last year. The cross continent bicycle odyssey is only the last in a long history of volunteering that has touched the lives of canoeists and parishioners at St. Anselm’s Catholic church for two decades. “Going the extra mile” is part of John’s make-up, a quality he has passed onto his three daughters, as well as his ability to make time for those who need him. At school, he is the driving force behind mesmerizing grade five students on a camping adventure with helicopters, animal tracks and team spirit. And he has taken that enthusiasm to the other side of the harbour to St. Margaret’s Bay elementary school. Being “the best ever” is a description Mr. D’s students and friends find just right.

Collaboration Excellence

Winner

The Community of St. Andrews WINNER

This community exudes sustainability. It boasts the first co-operative store in Nova Scotia and more recently, the first funeral co-operative study group. In the past, community members ran their own electricity, built a house to operate the first phone system, and established the first system of running water into the community. The future vision for the community of St. Andrews is limitless. By pooling resources, ideas, talents and passion, the people of Saint Andrews have built and set up meeting and recreational facilities, trails, study groups and have secured critical services. The community curling rink was built from the ground up with a group of volunteers through issuing preferred and common shares. Within four months $232,000 was raised. Not long after this, the St. Andrews Senior Housing Association developed “the poster child” for affordable housing. Its self financed apartments were built on land donated by the local credit union, discounted materials and volunteer laborours. The number of available units has doubled in size since they were built. This level of community building is unusual for one of its small size of 1,100 residents. St. Andrews’ innovative approaches continue to inspire confidence in local partners, investors, the public and private sectors and the community is leading the way as an innovator that adopts and develops new models of collaboration.

Guysborough Country District RCMP - FINALIST

As a leader in youth empowerment, the Canso office of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police continues to shine in its community. Enthusiasm, dedication, time, and collaboration have helped the RCMP bring together many key community partners to establish the Eastern Communities Youth Association (ECYA). In 2006, the RCMP received the national policing award for its work with the ECYA. ECYA has become an established and recognized leader in the community, most recently as managers of pool for the Town of Canso. Fostering strong partnerships helped to create free space for the ECYA where youth can receive professional counseling, participate in activities, and spend time with friends. The organization is instrumental in changing lives and encouraging youth to be active. The community has seen the number of youth related crimes decrease and is now establishing a working committee to address concerns with alcohol and drug use. The Guysborough County District RCMP is clearly focused on building a healthy, strong community.

Women Unlimited - FINALIST

By breaking through the barriers of re-entering into the workforce into trades and technology, Women Unlimited empowers women to succeed. With passion, dedication, diplomacy and unending commitment, this innovative and diverse women-centered program has grown over the years to have a presence at three Nova Scotia Community College sites. Co-sponsored by two community organizations, Women’s Economic Equality and the Hypatia Association, Women Unlimited promotes gender-diversity recruitment, career exploration and decision-making, support during training, and employment access and retention. This important program would not be possible without ongoing partnerships and by working collaboratively across organizations, the public and the private sector towards a common goal. As of December 2008, 102 women have been through the Women Unlimited program. More than 40 organizations, employers, governments and equity groups continue to work with the program to develop proposals, establish work sites and to ensure future success for the women it serves.

Community Development Excellence

Winner

Caisse Populaire de Clare WINNER

In three years, the Caisse populaire de Clare has assisted more than 60 community initiatives and infrastructure projects that provide real benefits to communities across the municipality of Clare. In 2006, the local financial institution established a $50,000 Community Development Fund. The goal of the fund is to ensure that all age groups and walks of life are able to benefit from it. It supports local projects from a school playground to sponsoring the Festival acadien de Clare - the oldest acadien festival in the world and the largest event in western Nova Scotia. When the Caisse provided a $2,000 grant to Ecole Stella Maris, the elementary school students returned the kindness with a food drive for the local food bank. The Caisse is a great example of how local businesses can contribute to the betterment of their communities through leadership, dedication and tangible support.

Centre for Entrepreneurship Education & Development Incorporated - FINALIST

CEED is devoted to helping people discover and use entrepreneurship as a vehicle to become self-reliant. For more than 15 years, CEED has been a leader in community development by promoting entrepreneurship as a way of life. Programs such as Second Chance and the Youth Employability Project have helped more than 350 high risk youth achieve success in school, work and as entrepreneurs. CEED’s educational and community outreach programs reach more than 1,500 students, youth and educators each year. Through the small business program, more than 150 new businesses are created each year resulting in an average of 170 new jobs. CEED’s inclusive and respectful approach and hands-on programming, enables individuals to succeed as it supports people across Nova Scotia’s communities.

Westfield Community Centre Society - FINALIST

Once a one-room school house, built in the 1950’s, the Westfield Community Centre was in the midst of renovations when a devastating fire consumed the building in April 2007. The community immediately made the decision to rebuild and they never looked back. The result was akin to an old-fashion “barn raising.” Businesses were captivated by the extraordinary resilience of this little community and donations soon followed. For a community of only about 100 residents, more than 5,500 volunteer on-site hours were logged and the building was replaced within a year. Today, many community groups use the facility to host weekly meetings, concerts, wedding receptions, fundraisers, Christmas parties and Valentines Day dances. The dedication, imagination and resourcefulness of the community resulted in a beautiful new hall, which is not only a huge asset, but also a source of great pride for all of the people of North Queens.

Innovation in Community Development

Winner

Unama’ki Student Firewood WINNER

When the traditional school system wasn’t working for several students in Potlotek (Chapel Island), their junior high teacher, Gerard Livingston, and several community partners took charge and turned this challenge into an opportunity. They formed a company, received a small business loan and used the students’ love of the outdoors and energy to cut, split and sell firewood in the local area. Within three weeks, the young entrepreneurs developed a business plan, paid back the loan, and learned how to work as a team. They also worked on math and science, obtained NSCC first aid and workplace safety certificates and completed the workplace essential skills program. Most importantly, they learned that “success is possible.”

Action For Neighbourhood Change - FINALIST

A United Way of Halifax Region initiative, Action for Neighbourhood Change demonstrates how people can come together to take charge of their own development. Since 2005, Action has awarded small and medium sized grants to 44 different projects in Spryfield and Dartmouth North that are focused on resident led initiatives. These projects have involved more than 500 youth, adults and seniors and more than 20 agencies and organizations. Through Action, four new leadership groups, two in Spryfield and two in Dartmouth North have been set up to help inspire confidence in their communities and work on their own issues. More than 40 new leaders have emerged from Action’s work in these communities. The deep impact of Action has genuinely empowered people to inspire others and to take action for positive change.

The Société acadienne de Clare - FINALIST

An initiative of the Société acadienne de Clare, the Baie Sainte Marie spoken word festival was established in 2004 to enhance Acadian language and culture through French literature and poetry. Since then, the Baie Sainte Marie festival has welcomed storytellers from around the world and Acadian authors, composers and performers have traveled to several intercultural events. In five years, the festival has expanded to include a recognition dinner, an annual celebration and sharing circle with local First Nations, a seniors day, a youth day, and storytelling with all students in French-language schools in southwestern Nova Scotia. To date, more than 2,000 students have heard from professional storytellers. This innovative and educational cultural festival encourages young people to express themselves in their own language and culture.

Outstanding Volunteer Achievement

Winner

Murray Hill WINNER

Murray Hill is a well-rounded champion for development in Pictou County. He serves as the chair of the Pictou Regional Development Commission and Citizens for Healthy Pictou County. In the past, he has served as chair of the Pictou County Regional Health Authority, Pictou Academy Education Foundation and the Ship Hector Foundation. During the annual Pictou County Lobster Carnival, he can be found serving lobster rolls and chicken burgers as part of the local Rotary Club. His interest and dedication to his community has improved its quality of life, cultural heritage and economic well-being and is truly admirable.

David Harris - FINALIST

David Harris has supported the entrepreneurial community in Yarmouth over the past 15 years through his work with Yarmouth’s Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC). He is presently the chair of board of directors of the CBDC Yarmouth, president of the Nova Scotia Association of CBDCs and chairperson with the Community Futures Network of Canada. Much of David’s volunteer work comes from the heart and his desire to give back to the community that has allowed him to make a living in Yarmouth. This desire shines through in the 63 days he gave in one year of his time to various volunteer-supported organizations.

Peter Herbin - FINALIST

Peter Herbin’s volunteer work has brought prosperity and recognition to the Town of Wolfville. As an active and founding member of the Wolfville Business Development Corporation, Peter has worked to grow and improve Wolfville’s downtown core. This established businessman and advocate for community development has been a welcome addition on several of the town’s committees, along with the Eastern Kings Memorial Health Foundation. He helped create the Grand Pre and Area Community Association. Peter’s most recent contributions to Wolfville and surrounding area include securing $800,000 in government and private sector funding to rejuvenate the Main Street’s building facades and leading the bid for Grand Pre and surrounding area to become recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Peter Herbin is the owner of Herbin’s Jewelers which was founded in 1885. His great-grandfather, John Herbin, was instrumental in the establishment of the Grand Pre National Historic Site.

Youth Leadership Excellence

Winner

Eastern Communities Youth Association Youth Council WINNER

The Eastern Communities Youth Association Youth Council takes great pride in its Youth Centre. They recently recruited a group of youth to raise money for equipment upgrades and more for the Centre. The Centre offers a place where youth from all walks of life gather and enjoy a fun, safe environment. The Youth Council is a group of impressive role models that donate hundreds of hours of volunteer time to the Eastern Communities Youth Association and their community. The Youth Council determines important programming and activities like establishing a work group to confront the issue of alcohol and substance abuse.

Conseil jeunesse provincial de la Nouvelle-Ecosse - FINALIST

The Frogstock music festival and Prends ta place sketch on bullying are two of the marquee programs of Conseil de Jeunesse de la Nouvelle-Ecosse Provincial, a non-profit organization supporting Nova Scotia’s francophone and Acadian youth communities. CJP and its youth leaders consist of eight voting member regions and non-voting members in the francophone areas of the province. Young people are encouraged to take the initiative and demonstrate leadership while being encouraged to speak French and participate in the development and growth of their community. Creativity is the force behind the programs for young people ages 12 to 25 in the member regions of Par-en-Bas, Clare, Greenwood, Dartmouth, Pomquet, Richmond, Cheticamp and Sydney. The mission of the organization is to maximize the pride of young people in their language and culture while providing opportunities for self-development and personal growth. Boundless energy and outstanding learning always is the outcome.

Nova Scotia Co-operative Youth Alliance - FINALIST

The Nova Scotia Co-operative Youth Alliance is an example of the extraordinary power of youth in Nova Scotia. Over the past three years, the youth alliance has grown from a few high school students to a network of more than 30 young people, ages 15 to 24. The co-operative provides support to its members by running seminars throughout the year and members gain hands-on experience with co-operatives or credit unions in their community, either through helping to run the business or sitting on the board of directors. Young people involved with the Alliance and local co-operatives have the chance to learn about leadership, community development and engagement, and keeping jobs in rural Nova Scotia. Many of the young people involved say the alliance has helped them to become engaged and make a difference in the world around them.