The Municipality of Clare’s 2022 Volunteer of the Year, Sophie LeBlanc of La Société acadienne de Clare. Left to right: Councillor Brian Comeau, Deputy Warden Eric Pothier, Councillor Carl Deveau, Sophie LeBlanc, Warden Yvon LeBlanc, Councillor Nadine Comeau and Councillor Nil Doucet

Press Release
(For immediate release)

Little Brook, NS – May 2, 2022: To commemorate National Volunteer Week, the Municipality of the District of Clare has named Sophie LeBlanc Volunteer of the Year.

Nominated by La Société acadienne de Clare, the 16-year-old École secondaire de Clare student has been a member of the organization’s Board of Directors for two years. Sophie is also responsible for the organization’s youth committee and is committed to developing projects with young people in Clare.

“For me, being a volunteer means being able to put a smile on the faces of the people I work with,” says Sophie. “I would like to thank la Société Acadienne de Clare and the Municipality and everyone else who has given me the various opportunities I have experienced.”

Sophie devotes her time to a number of organizations in Clare, including the Clare Special Olympics, Helena’s School of Dance, the Clare Minor Soccer Association, the Jeunes femmes en action Nouvelle-Écosse committee and the mini handball team for the 2022 Jeux de l’Acadie de la Nouvelle-Écosse.

As a member of the student council at École secondaire de Clare, Sophie is very involved in her school, organizing theme days, teachers vs. students sports matches, pep rallies and class tournaments.

“Sophie stands out not only for her commitment and dedication to her school, but to the entire community,” explains Natalie Robichaud, Executive Director for La Société acadienne de Clare. “She is an excellent role model for young people and a natural leader, and we are fortunate to have her among us.”

Sophie was honoured at the Municipality of Clare’s Volunteer Banquet on the evening of April 28. Forty-four volunteers nominated by 41 local organizations were awarded with a plaque from the Municipality, as well as certificates of recognition from the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia.

Yvon LeBlanc, Warden for the Municipality of Clare, addressed the award recipients and their guests by underlining the importance of volunteering. “You enrich our community by giving your time, resources and energy. Your kindness and devotion mean a lot to our community.”

This is the first banquet to be held in person since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. The Municipality of Clare has held a banquet in honour of its volunteers since 1979.

The Municipality of Clare’s 2022 Volunteer of the Year, Sophie LeBlanc of La Société acadienne de Clare.The Municipality of Clare’s 2022 Volunteer of the Year, Sophie LeBlanc of La Société acadienne de Clare.

Clare Volunteer Award recipients for 2022 Back row, left to right: Jocelyne Comeau and Councillor Carl Deveau Front row, left to right: Diane Bezanson, Lowell (absent) and Simone Briggs, Carleen Comeau Absent: Suzanne Aucoin, André Belliveau, Camilla Blinn and Elizabeth Comeau                                                                                                       Clare Volunteer Award recipients for 2022 - Back row, left to right: Jocelyne Comeau and Councillor Carl Deveau; Front row, left to right: Diane Bezanson, Lowell (absent) and Simone Briggs, Carleen Comeau; Absent: Suzanne Aucoin, André Belliveau, Camilla Blinn and Elizabeth Comeau

                                                                                                                       Clare Volunteer Award recipients for 2022 - Back row, left to right: Victor Comeau, Claudia Comeau (on behalf of Joseph “Pete” Comeau), Norman Comeau and Warden Yvon LeBlanc; Front row, left to right: Natalie Comeau, Sacha Comeau (on behalf of Joseph “Pete” Comeau), Willis Comeau and Nicole Deveau; Absent: Willard Joseph Comeau

Clare Volunteer Award recipients for 2022 Back row, left to right: Councillor Nadine Comeau, Paul Deveau, Steven Gaudet andd Gerald LeBlanc Seated: Jeanne LeBlanc Absent: Yvonne and Gil Frechette, Jennifer Gaudet and Jean GauvinClare Volunteer Award recipients for 2022 - Back row, left to right: Councillor Nadine Comeau, Paul Deveau, Steven Gaudet andd Gerald LeBlanc; Seated: Jeanne LeBlanc; Absent: Yvonne and Gil Frechette, Jennifer Gaudet and Jean Gauvin

                        Clare Volunteer Award recipients for 2022 Back row, left to right: Clara Melanson, Louella McKinnon, Marilyn Piggott and Councillor Nil Doucet Front row, left to right: Joey and Dayna (posthumously) LeBlanc, Anne MacDonald and Suzanne McCauley Absent: Michael LeBlanc and Robin Murphy                                                                                               Clare Volunteer Award recipients for 2022 - Back row, left to right: Clara Melanson, Louella McKinnon, Marilyn Piggott and Councillor Nil Doucet; Front row, left to right: Joey and Dayna (posthumously) LeBlanc, Anne MacDonald and Suzanne McCauley; Absent: Michael LeBlanc and Robin Murphy

Clare Volunteer Award recipients for 2022 Back row, left to right: Scott Wagner, Jacques Robicheau (on behalf of Denise Robicheau), Richard Robicheau and Deputy Warden Eric Pothier Front row, left to right: Aline Thibodeau, Judy Thibodeau and Paul-Émile Comeau (on behalf of Christine Thibault) Absent: Gerard Pothier, Réanne Titus and Christine Tufts-O’Meara Clare Volunteer Award recipients for 2022 - Back row, left to right: Scott Wagner, Jacques Robicheau (on behalf of Denise Robicheau), Richard Robicheau and Deputy Warden Eric Pothier; Front row, left to right: Aline Thibodeau, Judy Thibodeau and Paul-Émile Comeau (on behalf of Christine Thibault); Absent: Gerard Pothier, Réanne Titus and Christine Tufts-O’Meara

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Settled in 1768 and incorporated in 1879, the Municipality of Clare is located at the southwestern tip of Nova Scotia with approximately 8,000 residents. The Municipality of Clare is the only municipality in the province that conducts business and offers services in both official languages, French and English.

Media Contact / Interviews:

Yvon LeBlanc
Warden
Municipality of Clare
902-769-2031
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Réanne Flynn
Community Development Officer
Municipality of Clare
902-769-2031
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