The Soirée de reconnaissance de l’action bénévole was held at the Community Centre on Thursday, May 1st. Organized by Service des loisirs et de la vie communautaire, the evening was dedicated to four members of local and regional organizations who carry out more than 50% of their activities in Saint-Lazare. It was an evening to remember!

Guests were expected at 5 p.m., in the Salle Saint-Louis, decorated for the occasion in the colors of the National Volunteer Week. A duo of musicians greeted guests, who were greeted with chocolate treats at their seats.

Chantal Latreille, Directrice adjointe du Service des loisirs et de la vie communautaire, took the floor to recognize and celebrate the work of volunteers in our communities, highlighting the importance and positive impact of their action.

Marc Tremblay, Directeur du Service des loisirs et de la vie communautaire, began his speech by mentioning that “c’est un plaisir de vous retrouver pour célébrer ce que Saint-Lazare a de plus précieux : ses bénévoles.” He then highlighted the milestone anniversaries of several organizations.

Geneviève Lachance, Mayor of Ville de Saint-Lazare, then took to the stage to thank the volunteers and explain that “comme chaque année, les élus choisissent deux personnes qui se démarquent en tant que bénévoles.”. She then invited Pierre Arcand, then Paul Lavigne to the stage to present them each with a plaque of recognition for their exceptional involvement in our community, especially in the past year.

For Paul Arcand, she points out that “son engagement en tant que bénévole est constant, concret, et profondément ancré dans le désir d’améliorer la vie de ceux et celles qui l’entourent. Parfois, les gens discrets comme Pierre Arcand passent sous le radar. Et c’est précisément pour cela qu’il est important de les mettre en lumière.”

She adds a few words for Paul Lavigne, President of Comité des Fêtes du 150e: “Il sait faire rouler les choses, jongler avec les horaires et garder tout le monde motivé. Même les idées les plus farfelues (oui, comme la course de lits sur glace) deviennent possibles quand Paul est dans le coup.”

After a delicious table-side supper, none other than Alain Choquette took to the stage for the third Soirée de reconnaissance de l’action bénévole. He delivered a magic show at once funny, touching and surprising, engaging with the crowd with a great sense of repartee. Entre histoires et illusions, a breathtaking show that set the bar high for years to come!

At the end of the evening, all guests left with a chocolate treat created by a local artisan.

Dear volunteers, thank you for shaping a community in your image: human, dynamic and inspiring. We hope you had a wonderful evening, and look forward to seeing many of you next year!