Six honoured for volunteer service to the community

Published Thursday October 16th, 2008
The Dally Gleaner/Ray Bourgeois

DEDICATED SERVICE: Fredericton Rotary clubs honoured six volunteers with the Paul Harris award Wednesday night. From left are Charles Guitard, Ray Dickinson, Debra Quartermain, Judy Coates, Barry Thompson and John Waite.

Judy Coates isn't used to being in the limelight.

She prefers to spend her time volunteering and teaching children about peace and racial harmony.

But that's why Coates was one of six Frederictonians recognized Wednesday night at the Paul Harris awards ceremony organized by the Fredericton Rotary clubs.

"When I found out I was going to be a recipient for a Paul Harris Award, I was surprised and a little embarrassed because I feel there are many other deserving people," Coates said. "At the same time, this is quite an honour, and I think recognizing volunteers in our community is a wonderful thing."

Ceremony host Rose Arsenault said she knows how hard it can be for volunteers to accept an award for the work they do. Few people are volunteers because they want recognition, she said.

"Volunteers are very humble, modest people, and I'm not sure there is a volunteer out there who does the work they do to be in the limelight," Arsenault said. "The volunteers in our community seem to be dwindling, so even though they don't feel they need the recognition, I think it's important we do recognize the significant contribution volunteers are making by devoting countless hours of their time to the community."

The award was named in honour of Paul Harris, the founder of the 103-year-old service organization.

It's presented annually to people who exemplify Rotary International's motto of service above self.

Lea Frizzell, chairwoman of the awards ceremony and vice-president of the Fredericton-Sunrise Rotary Club, said individuals are recognized for volunteering time, talent or money over an extended period of time to local or international projects and organizations that help youth.

"It's difficult to choose who to recognize each year because there are so many people deserving of this great honour," Frizzell said.

"Many people don't realize they've done as much for the community as they have. They are unsung heroes and I hope they feel special and pleased by this recognition."

Charles Guitard joined Coates on the stage Wednesday night as one of the six winners.

He was recognized for his volunteer hours and financial contributions to many local organizations.

"I look at the other people receiving an award and I think they are extremely deserving," Guitard said. "Many of us feel the things we do in the community are reward enough, but this (award) is a wonderful surprise. I'm delighted with the recognition."

Coates was singled out for her work with the Fredericton Chapter of Children's International Summer Villages, a group that fosters world peace and understanding through cultural awareness.

She and Guitard were joined by Ray Dickinson, a longtime volunteer with the Salvation Army; John Waite, a volunteer who dedicates his time bringing sports to the city's youth; Barry Thompson, the driving force behind the development of Fredericton's rowing programs and the Small Craft Aquatic Centre; and Debra Quartermain, a designer, author and businesswoman recognized for her artistic talents and resourcefulness.