National Volunteer Week was celebrated from April 19-25, 2026, highlighting the invaluable contributions of volunteers across the country.
As part of this celebration, the Municipality of Clare proudly hosted its annual Volunteer Banquet on Thursday, April 23, 2026 - an event dedicated to recognizing the individuals who generously give their time, energy, and passion to strengthen our community.
This year's banquet was held at the Clare Veterans Centre in Saulnierville, NS and the evening brought together and honoured more than 40 volunteers representing a diverse range of local organizations, causes, and initiatives.
For 2026, the Municipality of Clare presented the 2026 Volunteer of the Year Award to Stéphanie St-Pierre, whose exceptional leadership and dedication have played a key role in the success of the Association Sainte-Marie Héritage et Développement. Her commitment to community engagement and heritage preservation has made a meaningful and lasting impact in Clare.
2026 Volunteer of the year : Stéphanie St-Pierre
From left to right:
Warden Yvon LeBlanc, Volunteer of the Year Stéphanie St-Pierre & MLA Ryan Robicheau.
Since the founding of the Association Sainte-Marie Héritage et Développement, Stéphanie St-Pierre has played a central role in its success. Deeply committed, she believes the preservation of Sainte-Marie must be led with, by, and for the community.
Through her inclusive and transparent leadership, Stéphanie has helped build a dynamic and mobilizing organization, leading key initiatives such as a petition of nearly 900 signatures and “Operation Pigeon,” which supported early preservation efforts.
Her work has increased the site’s national visibility and contributed to major recognitions in 2025, including the John Bragg Award and the National Trust Governor’s Award. She also champions a vision to transform Sainte-Marie into a Museum of Acadian Civilization.
Beyond this, she is actively involved in several community organizations in the education, cultural, and heritage sectors.
The Municipality would also like to extend its sincere congratulations and appreciation to all of this year’s nominees:
- Diane Bezanson - Les Papas Noël de Clare
- Ryan Boudreau - Southville & Area Fire Department
- Yvonne Boudreau - J&M Foster for Cats
- Alain Comeau - Festival acadien de Clare
- Claire Comeau - Les Voix dans l'Vent
- Gene Comeau-LeBlanc - Commission de développement de Bangor
- Janice Comeau - Baie en Joie
- Linda Comeau - Clare Curling Association
- Marilyn Comeau - Association La Guildeacadienne de Clare
- Neil Comeau - Far Out Festival
- Richard Comeau et André Comeau - Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie
- Tanya Comeau - Fondation du Centre de Santé de Clare
- Marguerite Deveau - Chevalier de Colomb Conseil Sigogne 6348
- Marguerite Deveau - Cribbage For Meat
- Star Deveau - Bushino Ki Karate Club
- Gil Frechette - Hectanooga Fire Department
- Odette Gaudet - Clare Firefighters Association
- Mary Ann Gauvin - La Société acadienne de Clare
- Betty Ann German - Association Madeleine LeBlanc
- Mike German - Meteghan Fire Department
- Rolland Jaume - Association Boule Acadienne
- Rolland Jaume - L'Association Radio Clare
- Margaret Jeddry - Le Conseil des arts de la Baie
- Anne LeBlanc - Villa Acadienne / Villa d'la Baie
- Elaine LeBlanc - Little Brook Fire Department Auxiliary
- Jean LeBlanc - La Société historique acadienne de la Baie Sainte-Marie
- Russell LeBlanc - Clare Bluegrass Association
- Christine Lewis - Havelock & Area Fire Department
- Claribel Bello McCauley - Belliveau Cove Development Commission
- Yvon McCauley - Paroisse Notre Dame d'Acadie
- Clara Melanson - Senior Fun Days
- Ricky Muise - Centre Communautaire D'La Baie Sainte Marie
- Joanne Neddo - Clare Share Fridge Communautaire Society
- Janelle Robichaud - Association Acadiens Métis Souriquois
- Janelle Robichaud - Clare Special Olympics
- Anne Marie Robicheau - MS Canada
- Gilles Saulnier - Le Club de natation Les Aquadiens de Clare
- GK Self & Karen Cayen - Havelock Wesleyan Church
- Stéphanie St-Pierre - Association Sainte-Marie héritage et développement
- Tommy Theriault - St. Bernard Fire Department
- Yvon Theriault - Clare Search and Rescue
- Alain Thibault - Little Brook Volunteer Fire Department
- Don Thibodeau - Shuffleboard
- Nicole Thimot Gennette - Banque alimentaire de Clare
- Tony Van den Broek - Salmon River Volunteer Fire Department
Thank you to all our volunteers for strengthening our community through your dedication and generosity.
From left to right:
Back row: Ryan Boudreau, Yvonne Boudreau, Linda Comeau, Councillor Carl Deveau
Front row: Diane Bezanson, Alain Comeau & Gene Comeau-LeBlanc
Absent: Claire Comeau & Janice Comeau.
From left to right:
Back row: Neil Comeau, André Comeau, Richard Comeau, Councillor Steven Comeau
Front row: Marilyn Comeau, Tanya Comeau & Marguerite Deveau
From left to right:
Back row: Star Deveau, Betty Ann German, Mike German, Rolland Jaume
Front row: Gil Frechette, Mary Ann Gauvin, Councillor Nadine Comeau
Absent: Odette Gaudet
From left to right:
Back row: Jean LeBlanc, Grace LeBlanc (for Russell LeBlanc), Christine Lewis, Councillor Eric Pothier
Front row: Claribel Bello McCauley, Margaret Jeddry, Anne LeBlanc, Elaine LeBlanc
From left to right:
Back row: Yvon McCauley, Ricky Muise, Joanne Neddo, MLA Ryan Robicheau
Front row: Clara Melanson, Anne Marie Robicheau, Gilles Saulnier
Absent: Janelle Robichaud
From left to right:
Back row: GK Self, Tommy Theriault, Tony Van den Broek, Councillor Réanne Cooper
Front row: Nicole Thimot Gennette, Karen Cayen, Yvon Theriault, Alain Thibault
Absent: Don Thibodeau