“I plunked myself big-time into the chair. I said, ‘oh my God! How in the name of God did that happen,’” she recalls asking herself.
Gallant is Summerside’s Citizen of the Year for 2015 and the phone message was giving her the good news.
She was completely blown away by the unexpected accolade.
“It took me two days, darlin’ to come down from this. I’m very honoured.”
In every town, city and village there are those who, by sacrificing their time and energy, create community. The City of Summerside honoured some of these local people Wednesday night during a gala awards ceremony.
The city has traditionally given out its awards during various events throughout the year, however, organizers decided to hold one big event in 2015. About 140 people were in attendance at The Oval for ceremony.
Volumes could be written about the collective accomplishments of the award winners. But suffice to say, each has contributed in some significant way to Summerside’s wellbeing.
Gallant was nominated for her dedication to her work and her volunteer activities. Her citation describes her as “the ultimate pay it forward, humble citizen.”
She has worked as a cook at Wedgewood Manour for the past 23 years and her dedication to the residents there is well known. Gallant has also volunteered with a number of community groups, including St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Generation XX, elections, the Heart and Stroke Foundation and more.
In total, nine awards were handed out during the ceremony.
Nine-year-old David Caron proudly carried his family’s figurine.
The Carons (Francois, Tanya, Natalie, Andrea and David) were given the 2015 Good Neighbour of the Year Award for Residents.
Their citation says they have consistently been at the heart of their neighbourhood on Brennan Avenue, organizing annual barbeques, game nights, fundraisers, build an ice rink and even publish a newspaper, the “Buzz on Brennan,” which they hand deliver.
You never look for rewards while just going about your life, said Francois, but they are still appreciated nonetheless.
“I think of this award as a kindness award, because it really does feel good to do things for others, to do it without looking for anything in return.”
“We love living here and enjoy being able to give back to our city. Thank you,” said Caron.
And the winners are:
Good Neighbour of the Year Award for Residents: The Caron family, including: Francois, Tanya, Natalie, Andrea and David.
Frances O. Perry Memorial Award for Good Neighbour of the Year Award for Non-Residents: Robert Arsenault of Arsenault’s Fish Mart.
Community Business of the Year: Clark’s Toyota.
Volunteer Service Organization of the Year: The Kinettes.
Volunteer of the Year: Art and Miriam Lockhart.
Youth of the Year: Evan Tynski.
Senior of the Year: George Olscamp.
George A. Key Senior Memorial Award for Citizen of the Year: Susan Gallant.
Mayor’s Medal of Honour: Wayne Wright.
@JournalPMacLean
“I plunked myself big-time into the chair. I said, ‘oh my God! How in the name of God did that happen,’” she recalls asking herself.
Gallant is Summerside’s Citizen of the Year for 2015 and the phone message was giving her the good news.
She was completely blown away by the unexpected accolade.
“It took me two days, darlin’ to come down from this. I’m very honoured.”
In every town, city and village there are those who, by sacrificing their time and energy, create community. The City of Summerside honoured some of these local people Wednesday night during a gala awards ceremony.
The city has traditionally given out its awards during various events throughout the year, however, organizers decided to hold one big event in 2015. About 140 people were in attendance at The Oval for ceremony.
Volumes could be written about the collective accomplishments of the award winners. But suffice to say, each has contributed in some significant way to Summerside’s wellbeing.
Gallant was nominated for her dedication to her work and her volunteer activities. Her citation describes her as “the ultimate pay it forward, humble citizen.”
She has worked as a cook at Wedgewood Manour for the past 23 years and her dedication to the residents there is well known. Gallant has also volunteered with a number of community groups, including St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Generation XX, elections, the Heart and Stroke Foundation and more.
In total, nine awards were handed out during the ceremony.
Nine-year-old David Caron proudly carried his family’s figurine.
The Carons (Francois, Tanya, Natalie, Andrea and David) were given the 2015 Good Neighbour of the Year Award for Residents.
Their citation says they have consistently been at the heart of their neighbourhood on Brennan Avenue, organizing annual barbeques, game nights, fundraisers, build an ice rink and even publish a newspaper, the “Buzz on Brennan,” which they hand deliver.
You never look for rewards while just going about your life, said Francois, but they are still appreciated nonetheless.
“I think of this award as a kindness award, because it really does feel good to do things for others, to do it without looking for anything in return.”
“We love living here and enjoy being able to give back to our city. Thank you,” said Caron.
And the winners are:
Good Neighbour of the Year Award for Residents: The Caron family, including: Francois, Tanya, Natalie, Andrea and David.
Frances O. Perry Memorial Award for Good Neighbour of the Year Award for Non-Residents: Robert Arsenault of Arsenault’s Fish Mart.
Community Business of the Year: Clark’s Toyota.
Volunteer Service Organization of the Year: The Kinettes.
Volunteer of the Year: Art and Miriam Lockhart.
Youth of the Year: Evan Tynski.
Senior of the Year: George Olscamp.
George A. Key Senior Memorial Award for Citizen of the Year: Susan Gallant.
Mayor’s Medal of Honour: Wayne Wright.
@JournalPMacLean