Awards Honour Nova Scotia's Communities and Volunteers
The stars were out at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre in Sydney as Nova Scotia's shining examples of community collaboration and development were presented with awards of excellence.
The awards were presented at the 2007 Celebrating Communities Conference where delegates representing more than 250 community organizations, advocacy groups, post-secondary institutions, governments, and the private sector, gathered to discuss the nature of innovation in community development.
At the gala awards event today, Sept. 27, 19 finalists were recognized, each hoping to take home an award in one of six categories.
"Congratulations to all award recipients, finalists and nominees for their inspiring work," said Economic Development Minister Richard Hurlburt. "They provide a snapshot of innovation, success and volunteer efforts being experienced in vibrant communities across Nova Scotia."
The following awards were presented:
- Excellence in Client Service, the Pictou County Women's Centre. The centre has helped thousands of women since opening its doors in 1976.
- Excellence in Collaboration, Joggins Fossil Institute. The institute has united residents, scientists and all three levels of government in an effort to make the famous Joggins Fossil Cliffs a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Excellence in Community Development, Membertou First Nation. Ten years ago, this Sydney, Cape Breton Mi'kmaw community and business organization was at 95 per cent unemployment. Today, it is nearing full employment, providing jobs for more than 700 Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal individuals.
- Outstanding Volunteer Achievement, Theresa Brewster in her role as chair of the Glace Bay United Negro Improvement Association. As a result of her determination, the association's community hall was restored and transformed into an inspirational cultural museum.
- Excellence in Youth Leadership, presented to two young Halifax Regional Municipality residents, Wesley and Kelly MacNeil, proved young people can make a real difference in a community when the Beaver Bank Skate park opened this past July. They created a committee, held fundraising events and meetings with all levels of government.
- Innovation In Community Development, presented to the Resource Opportunities Centre, which serves 17 rural communities from Goodwood to West Dover in Western Halifax Regional Municipality. Their efforts include: workshops, newsletters and a website, which allows all communities to promote themselves, their businesses, employment opportunities, and much more.
The awards gala was the largest event at the 2007 Celebrating Communities Conference. The conference began in Sydney on Wednesday, Sept. 26, and wraps up Friday, Sept. 28.
Hosted by the Cape Breton Economic Development Authority and sponsored by Department of Economic Development and Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation, the conference was fully attended by more than 250 Nova Scotians.
Complete profiles on the award recipients and finalists are available at www.gov.ns.ca/econ/celebratingcommunities/ .