Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Friday, April 30, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE - The NWT's outstanding volunteers for 2007 were honoured earlier this month.

Three people and one organization were recognized for their volunteer efforts.

Mike St. Amour, of Enterprise, received the award for outstanding individual volunteer for organizing indoor recreation activities and other events like carnivals and jamborees. He has also volunteered as a chaperon for all three editions of the NWT Games and started the Junior Firefighter Club in his community.

Pat Bobinski, of Hay River, was named the outstanding elder volunteer. His volunteer efforts began over 40 years ago as a volunteer firefighter. Through the years, he has also been involved in the flood watch committee, the ski club and was one of the founders of the Hay River Shooting Club.

Harley Lang, of Yellowknife, is the outstanding youth volunteer. The Grade 6 student at William McDonald school has raised over $30,000 for cancer research.

And, the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Team of Yellowknife was honoured as the outstanding group. The volunteers regularly visit Aven Manor and Mary Murphy Senior Centres to bring residents the loving care of a pet dog.

St. Amour, 42, said he was happy and honoured to receive the individual award.

"It was a very big surprise," said the Montreal native, who has lived in Enterprise for about three years.

St. Amour was recognized mainly for his volunteer work with young people and recreation. "I'm just trying to keep the kids busy and out of trouble."

He is also a member of the volunteer fire department and a settlement councillor

The award winners were announced by Michael McLeod, the minister of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA), on April 13 during the "Strengthening Communities" conference in Yellowknife.

"MACA recognizes and appreciates the important work that volunteers do across the Northwest Territories," McLeod said.

"These annual awards are a way to acknowledge the individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions to their communities."

The awards are presented by MACA, in conjunction with Volunteer NWT.