The theme for Volunteer Week this year is “Volunteering Weaves us Together.

Last night, the Town of Conception Bay South held its Annual Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Night to recognize National Volunteer Week, April 16-22, and celebrate the many contributions of its local volunteers. Town Council and members of the CBS Lions Club presented the 2023 Volunteer Awards.

“When you volunteer, you make a commitment to share that most precious of resources – your time – to make life better for others. It’s often said that volunteers don’t necessarily have the time, they just have the heart. Regardless of how many hours you choose to give, it’s important to understand that every act of volunteerism makes a difference. We all know volunteers choose to help others selflessly and without expectation of recognition, but tonight, we are proud to do just that,” said Mayor Darrin Bent. 

The Citizen of the Year Award was initiated by the CBS Lions Club in 1971. The Town of Conception Bay South partnered with the Lions Club in 2017 to present this award, along with a Youth Volunteer of the Year Award.

The 2023 recipients are:

Youth Volunteer of the Year – Leah Casey 
Leah Casey is a hard-working, 17-year-old student of Holy Spirit High School. At her school, she volunteers with the Environmental Committee, Student Council, Wellness Club, and is Vice President of the Interact Club. Her volunteer work includes, but is certainly not limited to: Chamberlains Park Action Committee, Conception Bay South Youth Advisory Committee, Chefs for Trails, peer tutoring, and Relay for Life. She has served as the Volunteer Youth Engagement Lead of the Community Garden Steering Committee and has led and supported many initiatives at local community gardens. These include planting and maintenance days, tours, scavenger hunts, and the Annual Pumpkin Stoll. 

Citizen of the Year – Norine Taylor
Norine Taylor is a dedicated, lifelong volunteer in Conception Bay South. Her volunteer work is extensive and includes volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Girl Guides of Canada, the CBS Minor Softball Association, student councils at St. Edwards, Frank Roberts and Queen Elizabeth, the CBS Amateur Sports Organization, and much more. She has been a member of the Conception Bay South Chapter of the Children’s Wish Foundation for over 10 years and is also a Special Olympics coach.