2026 Inverness County Volunteers
June 25, 2026
Volunteers are truly the heart of our communities, and each year communities across Canada come together to celebrate National Volunteer Week. This year, National Volunteer Week took place April 19 to 25.
Each year, the Municipality of Inverness County invites community members to nominate local volunteers who make a difference.
This year, community groups throughout Inverness County nominated 34 people. Read on to learn more about the incredible volunteer efforts of this year’s nominees.
Lydia Babin
Ski Margaree Trails Society (SMTS)
Lydia has consistently gone above and beyond in her contributions to the successful launch of the SMTS as a new cross-country skiing and snowshoeing club in Nova Scotia. It may be easy to forget how much work is entailed in starting a new organization. A short list of Lydia’s volunteering during the SMTS’s first year of operation includes secretary of the board of directors, registrar for the Try-It Community Event and for the official trail opening, back-end work on setting up the SMTS on various registration and membership payment programs, graphics design and layout for advertising and for the trailhead brochure, Facebook page administration, statistics collation on trail usage, and managing the SMTS email account.
Her friendly approach has been awesome during community activities. Her troubleshooting activities may have been behind the scenes yet were essential for smooth program delivery and future club sustainability.
Lydia has also been a past board member of Cranton Cross Road Community Centre and Bras d’Or Archers Association. Her contribution has made a difference in our community!
Florence Beaton
Judique Community Centre
We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for Florence’s dedicated service. Her commitment and enthusiasm have made a huge impact on our fundraising efforts. She is always willing to jump in and get things done, no matter what is needed.
There is a tremendous amount of work involved in our Lenten Fish Dinners, and Florence, along with so many valued volunteers, steps up year after year to help make the event a success. Whether it is prepping, cooking, or cleaning, she is always there with a helping hand.
It is because of volunteers like Florence that the Judique Community Centre has been able to raise the funds needed to keep our facilities running. The time and energy she gives so generously have strengthened our organization and supported the community we serve. We are truly privileged to have her as part of our team. Her kindness, warm smile, and dedication do not go unnoticed. When people like Florence give so selflessly, it inspires others to get involved and be part of something meaningful.
Larry Beaton
Mabou Rivers Trail Committee
Larry certainly embodies the qualities of a valued volunteer: personality (good humour), dedication, passion, reliability and positive attitude to name only a few. He is a lifelong teacher and learner, a must when you consider all of the machinery and equipment he has mastered (the 1960 Gallion Grader, for example).
When you take all of these qualities and multiply by hours donated, you have a truly exceptional volunteer. Without Larry’s contribution year in and year out The Mabou Rivers Trail as a community asset would not be what it is today. Larry takes pride in it!
Over the years Larry has given to the community in many ways: 16 years as maintenance lead and chair of Mabou Rivers Trail Committee; retired firefighter with 25 years of service with Mabou and District Volunteer Fire Department; current long-serving secretary of Knights of Columbus; and current chair of the St. Mary’s Parish building committee.
We thank you Larry for all you have given.
Bonnie Boulton
Bayview Education Centre
Bonnie has become an essential and inspiring presence in our school community through her leadership of the breakfast program. With dedication and care, she has taken full responsibility for ensuring the program runs smoothly each day. She is here five days a week, consistently showing up early to prepare a welcoming space where students can start their mornings with a nutritious meal.
Beyond preparing food, Bonnie organizes and supports a team of volunteers, creating a positive and efficient environment where everyone knows their role and feels valued. She carefully manages and stocks supplies, ensuring the program is always well-equipped and ready to meet the needs of every student who walks through the door.
Bonnie’s attention to detail, reliability, and strong organizational skills have transformed the breakfast program into a dependable and uplifting part of the school day. Most importantly, she brings kindness and warmth to her interactions, helping students feel seen, supported, and cared for. Her commitment goes far beyond the daily tasks—she is helping build a stronger, more compassionate school community, and her impact is felt by students and staff alike.
Carol Ann Boyd
Glendale Community Hall
Aren’t we happy to have Carol Ann back in her homeland! We, the Glendale Community Hall, proudly nominate Carol Ann as our volunteer of the year.
After moving home three years ago, Carol Ann has proven to be a worker with great ideas. She has vision and energy to create fun and lasting experiences for us all! She has been instrumental in sprucing up our hall, painting, and organizing, all while spearheading our new monthly pubs. She’s a great contributor to our community, keeping us motivated and excited for good times.
Thank you Carol Ann!
Lawrence Cameron
Inverness County Singers
Lawrence has filled many roles in the chorus over the years, including as a singer (baritone), director and, for the past 15 years, accompanist. Always modest about his skills, he is equally comfortable playing traditional Cape Breton tunes, Mozart, a swinging gospel line or driving rock. This makes him a key player in our ensemble, as he keeps us in tune and on the beat.
Lawrence nurtured many budding young Inverness County musicians during his teaching years at Cape Breton Highlands Academy and as a private piano teacher. Since retiring, he has kept up a steady tempo of appearances in several theatrical productions, bringing down the house with his deadpan Cape Breton humour.
The Inverness County Singers are very fortunate to have such a dedicated, talented piano player at all our many rehearsals and concerts, and Inverness County is all the richer for the music and laughs Lawrence so freely shares. Lawrence, we give you a hearty round of applause!
Mary Chisholm
Inverness Historical Society
Mary began volunteering with the Inverness Miners Museum following her retirement, bringing with her a deep love of history and an unwavering commitment to her community. Since then, she has become one of the museum’s most dedicated and dependable team members. She is always the first to step forward, whether assisting with events, supporting programming, offering tours of the museum and the community, attending board meetings, or helping wherever she is needed.
Mary’s impact reaches far beyond the walls of the museum. She regularly supports our community outreach efforts, through fundraising, and encouraging young people in Inverness to engage with their local history, which has helped ensure that the stories and spirit of Inverness continue to be passed on to the next generation.
In recent years, Mary has become something of an online sensation for the museum. Through her wit and humour, she has helped attract tens of thousands of visitors to the Inverness Miners Museum Facebook page, bringing renewed attention and interest to the work we do.
Phyllis Cote
Evergreen Seniors Club of Port Hawkesbury
At the club level, Phyllis serves as club secretary, assists with monthly breakfasts and activities, and sits on the Bursary Committee. She is also a member of the West Bay Road Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and volunteers with the Arm of Gold and Bonny Brae seniors clubs, lending her time in any capacity she is called upon to assist.
Phyllis is a regular lector at St. Mary of the Angels Parish and participates in music groups that entertain seniors in nursing homes throughout the area. She chairs the “Save Our Church” committee at West Bay Road, formed after the church closed. Through the committee’s fundraising efforts, the group has replaced the vestry roof, repaired the steeple, and upgraded the cemetery and driveways — ensuring the church remains available for masses, funerals, baptisms, and weddings.
As a retired educator, Phyllis has served at both provincial and local levels of the Nova Scotia Teachers Union and the Retired Teachers Organization, including as provincial president. She currently serves as past president and chairs two committees: “WeCare,” supporting sick and shut-in members; and a committee seeking affordable housing and care for retirees.
Donald Fortune
Margaree Salmon Museum (MSM)
The museum is pleased to nominate Donald Fortune as our 2026 Volunteer in recognition of his ready volunteerism within the Margarees and, in particular, for his work with our museum.
Donald has been a valued board member for a number of years and presently serves as MSM vice president. He provides leadership on the building and property committee, helping to maintain our building and grounds throughout the season as well as assisting with museum signage, both on and off the property. If there is a job to get done, Donald looks after it and we are so appreciative.
In addition to his volunteer work with the museum, he currently serves as vice chair for the Sunset Funeral Co-op and is chair of the cemetery committee for St. Michael’s Parish in East Margaree. Past involvements include the Inverness Ground Search and Rescue and as a long-serving member of the Margaree Kinsmen Club.
Nadine Hunt
West Mabou Beach and Trails Committee
A lifelong champion of local trails and natural spaces, Nadine has dedicated countless hours to developing and maintaining trails, organizing outdoor events, protecting endangered species, and advocating for places like West Mabou Beach Provincial Park, the Cape Mabou Trails, and MacFarlane Woods.
Nadine’s commitment extends across all aspects of community life in Mabou. Whether leading visitors on hikes, clearing fallen trees, arranging gravel for access roads, cleaning beaches, or protecting fragile dune systems, she is always ready to step in. She is also a trusted source of historical knowledge, contributing to research and presentations about the area’s history, including work with the An Drochaid Museum on waterfront interpretive panels.
Nadine is known for her leadership and integrity. She consistently stands up for her community and is quick to act when support is needed. Her generosity, knowledge, and tireless efforts make her an invaluable part of Mabou. Her impact is both wide-reaching and deeply felt, making her truly deserving of this recognition.
Curtis MacDonald
Glencoe Station Recreation Association
Curtis is an upbeat, friendly, and approachable member who never hesitates to step forward when help is needed. His positive attitude and willingness to contribute make him a valuable leader in our organization. He is always ready with a smile and a solution.
A skilled tradesperson, Curtis generously lends his talents to our projects. This past summer, when we unexpectedly encountered issues with our septic tank, he took the lead in organizing its replacement. He was also a key contributor in the construction of a large fence installed on the property last summer, working alongside others throughout the process.
Additionally, Curtis has played a vital role in researching and helping prioritize important upgrades and improvements to our facility, pulling together information that will help guide our decisions moving forward.
Jaqueline MacDonald
Whycocomagh Lakeview Child Care Society
Jacqueline has been an integral part of the board of directors at Whycocomagh Lakeview Child Care Society (formally Whycocomagh Child Development Centre), since its inception in 2012. She has shown unwavering commitment to our small childcare facility for over a decade and has been a cornerstone during her time as a volunteer.
From the very beginning, Jacqueline has contributed countless hours to strategic planning, policy development, and providing fundraising support, all of which our centre deeply appreciates and thanks her for. She has always been a strong advocate for children and families alike, always ensuring that the policies and practices in place are exceeding expectations of quality childcare.
For 14 years, Jacqueline has been the board member folks turn to for advice and knowledge, and she has been the person who asks the hard questions to ensure the best choices are being made for the centre and everyone who is a part of it. Thank you for all that you have done Jacqueline!
Leona MacDonald
Judique Keldonan Seniors Club
Leona is the oldest active member of our club and remains a steady and dedicated presence. She never misses a meeting and is always ready to lend a hand wherever needed.
At every event, Leona shows up with treats for everyone to enjoy and a willingness to help in any way she can. She is also an active participant in the Senior Exercise Program. She is kind, humble, and deeply committed to our club. We are very fortunate to have her as a member.
Thank you, Leona, for all that you do.
Trish MacDonald
Whycocomagh Waterfront Centre
Trish is our “Energizer Bunny” who, despite maintaining an active schedule, always finds time to lend a hand when volunteers are being sought. She makes herself available, whether it is for looking after a rental, a recreation activity, working in the bar or the kitchen, or whatever else requires an extra hand.
If there is something going on in or around the community and you meet Trish out and about, she can always be counted on to encourage folks to support local activities. When the interest in pickleball grew at the centre, Trish took it a step further and coordinated a second night at the school where more courts could be utilized. Additionally, she has always been willing to support other community organizations such as the festival or helping with the green room during Celtic Colours.
We sincerely appreciate the support that Trish provides to the community.
Sheila MacDonnell
Judique Historical Society
Over the years, Sheila has generously given her time, energy, and talents to countless committees and community efforts. Her dedication has never waned. Currently serving as secretary of our society, she not only fulfills the responsibilities of that role with diligence and care, but also goes far beyond it.
She is a constant presence at our Toast & Tea events, warmly welcoming guests and helping ensure everything runs smoothly. She assists with the society’s Airbnb operations, contributes her creativity by leading weekly craft afternoons, and is part of a compassionate group that makes dresses for children in Zambia. Her service reflects both local commitment and global compassion.
During the warm summer months, Sheila can be found tending the Tartan Gardens, carefully weeding and nurturing the grounds so they remain a source of pride for our community. She also volunteers her time cleaning debris along local roads, helping to keep our area beautiful and welcoming. In addition, she serves faithfully as a Eucharistic Minister in our church.
Ann MacDougall
Port Hood Area Development
Ann has been a valued member of Port Hood Area Development since 2021. She is always ready to pitch in wherever she is needed and lends her expertise in many of our projects. Her gardening skills are a tremendous help in keeping our Central Park and sidewalk planters so beautiful, and she is a major participant at our annual Christmas Craft Fair, Christmas by the Sea, Bingo, helping out with our beach projects, and responds with a helping hand anytime she is asked.
Port Hood Area Development is fortunate to have Ann as a member, and we are pleased to select her for volunteer recognition by the Municipality.
Cathy MacKinnon
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Whycocomagh
Cathy is a longtime member of the St. Andrew’s congregation and for the past five years she has served as treasurer of the church, a position involving much skill, time and talent. A dedicated wife, mother of two sons, proud grandmother of four grandchildren, daughter, sister and friend to many, Cathy has been a valued employee of A.A. Munro Insurance Agency for many years.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, reading and putting her very talented quilting skills to good use. We sincerely thank Cathy for her generous volunteer efforts and wish her all the very best!
Alice MacLellan
Mill Road Social Enterprises
Alice has been a valuable volunteer in various ways, but most regularly as a member of our fundraising committee. She assisted in making the Hoff Reunions and Casino Nights the successes they were. She is creative and sees the bigger picture when planning events — her talent for details helps us greatly, and her sense of humour always makes the work feel lighter.
Alice is always mindful of the purpose behind what we do. She has a great respect for the work Mill Road does and is a promoter of our mission at every opportunity. The board of directors, participants, and staff of Mill Road Social Enterprises are very excited to have her name added to our list of fabulous volunteers.
Annie MacLellan
The Mabou New Horizons Club
Annie has been a member of our club for many years and is always welcoming and willing to assist every member — and non-members too. She takes responsibility for ensuring the Seniors Lounge is clean and ready for any event, keeping things running smoothly across our weekly Friday and Sunday gatherings as well as club fundraisers, all without any fuss.
Annie’s quiet acts of kindness are well known to all who spend time at the club. It is with great pleasure that we recognize her this year.
Gary MacLellan
Glendale and Area Community Cooperative Ltd.
The Glendale and Area Community Cooperative Ltd. is pleased to nominate Gary MacLellan as our Volunteer of the Year.
Gary is a dedicated volunteer with our non-profit organization, contributing to the ongoing maintenance of the Fr. John A. Rankin Cultural Centre. He served as vice-president for two years and continues to support the organization through hands-on involvement. He volunteers at our regular monthly breakfasts and assists with a variety of maintenance duties, always willing to lend a hand wherever needed.
Gary is a great asset to our group, and we are truly grateful for his time, effort, and commitment.
Thank you, Gary.
Billy MacLeod
St. Joseph’s Parish of Southwest Margaree
Billy has been volunteering since he was a young man, helping with whatever the parish needed. Whether he is helping with the cleaning, preparing the church for celebrations or doing carpentry jobs, Billy can always be counted on to show up with a cheerful attitude and a willingness that shows his true character.
We are all especially grateful to Billy for the many years he has been responsible for decorating the church for the Christmas season. The countless hours Billy puts in creating a festive atmosphere in our church have not gone unnoticed. We all look forward to that first weekend when we can see the beautiful lights and seasonal touches that Billy so artfully curates. He has been decorating our church at Christmas for over 40 years and for that we are so very thankful. Congratulations Billy!
Marlene MacMillan
St. Peter’s Parish Port Hood Catholic Womens’ League (CWL)
Marlene the Barber, as many still call her, has been an integral part of the CWL for the past 38 years. Since joining in 1988, she has served as secretary (2004-05) and president (2009-2011). She currently serves as contact captain for her geographical area.
Her knowledgeable, gentle and giving nature has guided the growth of many who joined after her. Marlene’s strong, quiet and humorous work ethic has modeled for us what both spiritual leadership and efficiency can look like in the face of the hustle and bustle of preparing for our events.
A generous neighbour, work colleague and friend, Marlene is always willing to do whatever is required of her to complete the task. The CWL is proud to have her as our 2026 Volunteer of the Year.
Congratulations Marlene!
Alec MacNeil
Mabou and District Community Development Association (MCDA)
Alec is one of those rare people who doesn’t just volunteer — he gives of himself in a way that lifts an entire community. His “can-do” attitude and generous spirit are felt wherever he shows up.
In 2017, he saw a need to brighten the long winter months and helped bring Fèis Fuar to life, creating something that continues to bring people together. Years earlier he imagined a pub in the parish hall, and last year that dream became The Snug, now a cherished gathering place after another successful season.
Alec has generously given his time to MDCDA as a member, director and treasurer. He continues to support the Mabou Trails Committee, volunteering for a wide range of activities — from Earth Day cleanups to community BBQs, just to name a few. And when called upon for The Stars Are Out, Alec stepped forward without hesitation, bringing both laughter and heart to the stage.
Eileen MacNeil
Lake Ainslie Weavers and Craft Guild/Scotsville School of Crafts
Eileen is a dedicated artisan, educator, and community leader whose passion for weaving and the fibre arts has enriched Inverness County for decades. As president of Lake Ainslie Weavers and Craft Guild/Scotsville School of Crafts, she has provided steady, dedicated leadership, guiding the organization’s growth and long-term sustainability through expanded programming, successful funding applications, active community engagement, and effective direction of executive meetings.
A long-time weaver herself, Eileen first discovered the craft at the Scotsville School of Crafts and went on to establish her own studio in 1992. Her artistic work reflects a deep commitment to both design and function. She shares her expertise by teaching weaving classes at the school, inspiring new generations of makers.
Under Eileen’s leadership, the Guild has played a pivotal role in maintaining traditional crafts through workshops, community projects, and events such as Celtic Colours celebrations, fostering cultural connection and creative expression across the region.
Bridget MacQuarrie
Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital (ICMH) Auxiliary
Bridget has been volunteering with the auxiliary at our bi-annual Tea and Sales. She arrives at events with her friendly, energetic nature and spends he whole day setting up and cleaning up once the event is finished. She has donated many items for our auction and makes signs for our ticket sales with no cost to the auxiliary.
Bridget assists in getting necessary items from the hospital to the venue and receives and organizes the food for eat-ins and take-outs and will pitch in wherever help is needed. She is a true example of a volunteer and this could be corroborated by several other organizations in the community.
Jean McCann
North Mountain Cultural & Recreation Association
Raised in Marble Mountain, Jean has remained an active and dedicated member of our community over the years. She takes her turn looking after the library in our hall when it is open and regularly lends a hand at many of our activities whenever needed. She contributes to our weekly games night and participates in annual events such as the Polar Dip and Chili Cook-Off.
As a member of our Garden Club, Jean helps care for the memorial garden and plant pots throughout the community. She was also a valuable contributor to our Heritage Committee, assisting in sorting and displaying historical items—no easy task.
Tom McCann
L’Arche Cape Breton
Tom just keeps giving of himself to support the work of L’Arche Cape Breton. For nine years he served on our board of directors, contributing with the utmost professionalism but always with a gentle smile and a kind word. When his term ended, instead of a well-earned break, he stepped forward again to serve on our foundation’s board of directors.
This November he will celebrate his tenth anniversary at L’Arche Cape Breton. We can’t say thank you enough for always being there for us, Tom.
L’Arche Cape Breton’s connection with Tom’s family goes back decades. His brother-in-law, Rufus, was a core member during the 1990s and 2000s. Tom joins many of our events and knows several of our core members well. He answers all Trevor’s questions and appreciates a hug from Maggie Rose. He visits with everyone at Coffee Time on Friday morning when he’s able to.
Thank you for being a wonderful example of the power of volunteerism, Tom.
Chris McDaniel
Margaree Highland Games
As one of the founding members of Margaree Highland Games (MHG), Chris has been instrumental in the yearly success of this community celebration. His technical support and creative expertise in t-shirt design and marketing materials have made him a central figure in the branding of MHG. His annual posters have become famous in our county and beyond.
In addition, Chris has also led the annual Silent Auction at our Games since 2012. This alone has raised tens of thousands of dollars for our community. Even when living in Truro, Chris remained devoted and generous with his time as a board member. We are certainly very happy to now meet with him here at “home” and continue our work together.
As a busy father and husband, a dedicated teacher at Cape Breton Highlands Academy, a strong support to his extended family, and a great volunteer, the board members of Margaree Highland Games are honoured to recognize Chris McDaniel as our “Volunteer of the Year 2026.”
Kristin Muntz
Margaree Area Development Association (MADA)
Having moved to the Margarees in 2021, Kristin has become an active community volunteer and is currently a member of the MADA board of directors. In addition to that commitment, it is her enthusiastic efforts to establish a local Meals on Wheels program that we wish to highlight.
Beginning in 2023 with a pilot program serving 10 residents in a small section of the Margarees, the project has grown to address local issues of food insecurity. Through the various stages of this initiative, whether it was raising awareness among local organizations and groups, approaching government for funding grants, or harnessing community volunteers as a working team, Kristin has been at the forefront of the Margaree Meals on Wheels endeavour. A commercial kitchen operation now assists more than 35 clients with meals three days a week, reaching the entire Margaree area. To date, more than 7,000 meals have been distributed.
Monica Ragan
Mabou Gaelic and Historical Society
Monica has been a member of our society since 2023 and has been invaluable since that time, bringing a fresh and youthful perspective to the board. Her skills in technology have been especially helpful, and she is consistently generous with her time. She has been integral in updating our bylaws and developing policy in keeping with modern requirements.
Monica has made great efforts to move us toward achieving and maintaining museum standards aligned with Nova Scotia Museum policies. She is always on hand to help — from recording our 50th anniversary Lecture Series to designing posters and merchandise to support and promote the museum. She is exceptionally accommodating and offers quiet, steady support to all members of the board in each of their roles.
Mary May Richard
Mi-Carême Centre
Mary May is a force of nature, especially when it comes to supporting her community. Whether she is preparing for and assisting at special events, helping with fundraising efforts, or taking care of whatever is needed at the Mi-Carême Centre, she ensures everything is done to the highest standard.
Mary May’s dedication, energy, and attention to detail make her an invaluable part of our team, and we are very fortunate to have her.
Stephen Richard
West Bay Road and District Volunteer Fire Department
Stephen has been volunteering in the fire service for over 15 years, including many dedicated years with our department.
He has served as truck captain for the past two years and previously as truck lieutenant for many years. Stephen takes great pride in keeping our trucks in excellent working order and plays a key role in keeping things running smoothly—not only with the apparatus, but also with equipment such as lawn mowers, whipper snippers, and snowblowers.
When he’s not working on small engines, you can often find him carrying out maintenance around the hall. He is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to fire service equipment and is always willing to lend a hand during training nights. Stephen is a true asset to our department, and we are very fortunate to have him.
Beth Ryan
Inverness County Centre for the Arts (ICCA)
Beth has been a steadfast supporter, leader, and volunteer of the centre since its founding. Her extraordinary generosity of time, energy, and vision has helped secure a vibrant and lasting place for art and craft in western Cape Breton.
As recent chair of the board of directors, Beth guided the centre through significant financial challenges with determination, creativity, and steady leadership. Under her direction, ICCA moved from a period of uncertainty to one of renewed energy and expanded programming. Her initiative in creating the highly successful Sea Glass Festival stands as a testament to her dedication. The festival required extensive planning and hands-on work, and through Beth’s outreach, it engaged the local community while attracting participants from across the Maritime provinces.
Beth’s volunteerism extends far beyond governance. She has stepped in wherever needed, cleaning the centre when staff were unavailable, helping with snow removal, organizing events, and championing exhibitions featuring internationally renowned artists such as Joan Jonas.
Betty Watts
Chestico Museum & Historical Society
Betty was a founding member of The Chestico Historical Society, serving as our first corresponding secretary. She also was part of the organizing committee for the very first Chestico Days in 1979. She has a keen interest in history, and over the years has volunteered her time leading heritage demonstrations for school and community groups.
We also call upon her frequently to assist with genealogical and local history inquiries. Betty has a knack for storytelling and has generously contributed articles to our newsletters as well as to the Oran’s “And Then Again Column”. And, of course, for the last number of years she has been a faithful baker of biscuits for our museum events – they are always a big hit!
Betty is a member of St. Peter’s Parish and has served the parish in various capacities over the years. She has also been a dedicated canvasser for the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital’s Spring Fling and Christmas Tea parcel post.