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 The NWT's volunteers of the year were presented with their territorial awards in Fort Simpson on April 27. From left: Vince Steen, minister of Municipal and Community Affairs; Outstanding Youth Brad Thomas Elkin Hall; Outstanding Elder Stephen Rowan; Outstanding Individual Beverly Masuzumi; and Dave Ritchie, representing the Outstanding Group, the Yellowknife Food Bank. At right is Paul Campbell, of the NWT Power Corporation, which sponsored the volunteer awards. - Derek Neary/NNSL photo |
That night she and a couple other event volunteers were awaiting the arrival of the final dog team in a spring carnival race.
"Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would be recognized for my volunteer work," said Masuzumi, a Fort Good Hope resident who was named the Outstanding Individual at the NWT Volunteer Awards in Fort Simpson on April 27.
Masuzumi has also been known to help out with dances, weddings, Dene games, bereaved families, day care, youth sports and acquiring a monument to commemorate the lives of snowmobile accident victims from her community. She is also active on several boards and band council.
Outstanding Elder Stephen Rowan, of Fort Simpson, offers ski lessons to youth, is a member of the library board and is instrumental to the Fort Simpson Historical Society.
"True, there's been no pay. That doesn't really make a difference to me because I've been so richly rewarded by volunteering," said Rowan.
Outstanding Youth Brad Thomas Elkin Hall, despite being only 17 and coping with autism, is already a very active resident of Yellowknife.
He's been a Big Buddy, donates time to Meals on Wheels, helps with church bulletins, assists at the Northern Frontier Visitors Centre, is involved in Students Against Drinking and Driving and takes part in theatrical presentations. In addition, he's been an honours student throughout his school years.
"I've spent my entire life trying to become the person I am now," he said, adding, "If you want people to volunteer for you, you must volunteer for them."
The Yellowknife Food Bank, recipient of the Outstanding Group award, has been helping thousands of people since its inception in 1991.
Volunteer Dave Ritchie, who accepted the award, said the food bank relies on donations from others and he's constantly amazed by the generosity of people in the North. Each of the volunteer award winners donated their $500 prize money to the cause of their choice.
