Executive Council
April 16, 2014
Recognizing Our Community Sector
Newfoundland and Labrador Volunteer Hall of Fame Inductees Announced
The Honourable Steve Kent, Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement, joined volunteers, members of the community sector, and representatives from the Newfoundland and Labrador Volunteer Hall of Fame today to announce eight inductees to the 2014 Volunteer Hall of Fame.
“With volunteers in our communities seldom asking for recognition, the Newfoundland and Labrador Volunteer Hall of Fame provides a direct way for all of us to celebrate those who have made long-lasting contributions to their communities and to the province. On behalf of the Provincial Government, I am proud to recognize the eight outstanding women and men selected for this year’s Hall of Fame.”
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement
The eight individuals will be honoured at a gala dinner in October where they will be formally inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Volunteer Hall of Fame. Biographical information for the inductees can be viewed in the backgrounder below.
“The Newfoundland and Labrador Volunteer Hall of Fame allows exceptional people to stand as an inspiration to our community and particularly to our youth. The Newfoundland and Labrador Volunteer Hall of Fame will stand the test of time to provide a venue for our youth to see the gold standard in volunteering and giving.”
- The Honourable Edward Roberts, Chair of the Selection Committee, Newfoundland and Labrador Volunteer Hall of Fame
Recognizing the importance youth play in helping to shape the future of Newfoundland and Labrador, Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook provides approximately $640,000 in funding to more than 30 organizations that support youth engagement activities and learning opportunities for young people, with an additional $2.5 million allocated for 34 Community Youth Networks across the province.
QUICK FACTS
- Eight inductees were announced today for the 2014 Newfoundland and Labrador Volunteer Hall of Fame.
- The eight individuals will be honoured at a gala dinner in October where they will be formally inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Volunteer Hall of Fame.
- The Hall of Fame was established in 2012 to honour the efforts of those who make long-standing volunteer contributions to their communities and the province. For more information, visit www.volunteerhalloffame.ca
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- Budget 2014 provides approximately $640,000 in funding to more than 30 organizations that support youth engagement activities and learning opportunities for young people, and an additional $2.5 million has been allocated for 34 Community Youth Networks across the province.
- For more information on the Community Sector, visit www.ope.gov.nl.ca and Twitter, @OPE_GovNL .
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Media contacts:| Kip Bonnell Communications Manager Office of Public Engagement 709-729-1221, 687-9081 kbonnell@gov.nl.ca | Nancy Hollett Fund Development Coordinator Newfoundland and Labrador Volunteer Hall of Fame 709-753-0423 nhollett@nl.rogers.com |
BACKGROUNDER
2014 Newfoundland and Labrador Volunteer Hall of Fame Inductees
Frank Berkshire, Doyles
Frank Berkshire moved to the Codroy Valley in 1966 to teach and immediately immersed himself in the community. As an educator, he took part in extracurricular activities beyond the classroom including acting as moderator for the Reach for the Top team, the drama group, and the school’s safe prom. Mr. Berkshire introduced and coached high school hockey, basketball and softball for both boys and girls, established the first Cub pack to the area, and served as a Scout leader for many years.
Cecilia Carroll, Torbay
Ms. Carroll has been a tireless advocate for persons with disabilities for more than 25 years. She began her volunteer work with the Canadian Paraplegic Association and then became involved with the Independent Living Resource Centre, where she became Chairperson in 1995. In 2000, she was appointed to the Newfoundland and Labrador Buildings Accessibility Advisory Board.
Geoff Eaton, St John’s
Geoff Eaton was diagnosed with cancer at age 22 and worked to provide a peer support network to empower young people in similar situations. In 2000, Mr. Eaton founded RealTime Cancer (currently known as Young Adult Cancer Canada). He has served on numerous volunteer committees, including the Cancer Control Advisory Committee, the Cancer Advocacy Coalition of Canada, the Regional Liaison Committee of Canadian Blood Services, and the National Survivorship Working Group.
Bridget Leyte, Fogo
Bridget Leyte has spent tireless hours promoting and preserving the heritage and culture of Fogo Island. She works with the Brimstone Head Folk Festival, one of the longest running festivals in the province, and also dedicates her time to the Fogo Santa Claus Parade, Tidy Towns, the volunteer fire department and the Fogo Folk Alliance.
Thomas Maddox, King’s Cove
Thomas Maddox has been Mayor of King’s Cove for 39 years. He has served on the volunteer fire department, the regional waste disposal committee, the recreation committee, the King’s Cove Historical Society, and the Bonavista and Area Citizen’s Crime Prevention Committee. He has also worked with the Discovery Trail Tourism Association, the Bonavista Trinity Minor Hockey Association, and is a member of the Knights of Columbus.
William Mahoney, St. John’s
William Mahoney has contributed his skills to search and rescue operations, economic development and philanthropic projects. He has donated his time to a variety of charitable organizations including the Air Cadets, the Community Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador, the John Howard Society, the Rotary Club of St. John’s and the St. John’s Board of Trade. Mr. Mahoney also led a project to develop a monument that celebrates the history of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary. The sculpture now stands on Gower Street in downtown St. John’s.
Rita Pennell, Trepassey
Rita Pennell has been giving her time to her hometown for more than 45 years. She has served as a member of the Home and School Association, the Recreation Commission, the Trepassey Management Board, the Lion’s Club and as a leader in her church. In 1989, Ms. Pennell became Mayor of Trespassey, and currently serves as Deputy Mayor.
Bruce Templeton, Outer Cove
Bruce Templeton has taken a leadership role with several organizations over the years including the Boys Scouts, St. Andrew’s Church, St. John’s Board of Trade, and the Rotary Club of St. John’s. He also played a key role in bringing United Way to Newfoundland and Labrador and works with them to raise funds for charities across the province.
2014 04 16 12:45 p.m.