Six Southeast Volunteers Promoting Change In Their Communities

ng as something you have to do for someone else," she says. "But it's something you do for yourself as well."

Bugera's $500 donation was to Crow Wing Trail Association.

Robert Cesmystruk has been a leader in the Vita area since 1967. He helped to establish the RM of Stuartburn Fire Department and was also the first Fire Chief from 1976 to 1986.

Cesmystruk also served as a volunteer ambulance driver/ attendant, was a member of the hospital board and served as a director with the former South Eastman Regional Health Authority. He helped to establish the Vita Curling Club and through the Lions Club he raised funds to develop a tennis court and baseball diamonds.

Cesmystruk also coached sports, was a referee and organized a slow-pitch league. In addition, he was a 4-H leader and served on the Vita Credit Union board. Since 2012, Cesmystruk has been serving as Treasurer for the Vita and District Resource Council. He also has served as an elder of the Church since 1976 and has been on the Parish executive since 1984.

"I hope I have helped to establish a community where everyone can be safe, happy, active and prosperous," says Cesmystruk. "And in so doing, made life better for my family and myself as well."

Cesmystruk became Vice Principal at Shevchenko School and later Principal, a position he held for 25 years. He then became Superintendent of the Boundary School Division.

Cesmystruk's $500 donation was to Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Vita and Shevchenko School Breakfast Program.

Dan Guetre was inspired to volunteer as a teenager when his father brought him to Black Bear Days in Richer. Now, Guetre helps organize each of Richer's community events.

"It's a privilege to be in a community where people care," says Guetre.

To help the community, Guetre has shaved his head for cancer, raised more than $400,000 for Richer's ice rink and helped organize the annual Richer Roughstock Rodeo.

Guetre is President of the Dawson Trail Community Development Incorporation and is also a director of the Richer Community Club. His $500 donation was to the Richer Community Club.

Claudette Lavack has been working with youth in the justice system since the mid-1980's. She also helps to organize Christmas hampers each December and volunteers at the local food bank whenever she can.

Lavack goes weekly to the Villa Youville nursing home, where she helps bake muffins, cookies and other treats. She also leads the residents in singing. A retired Principal and teacher, Lavack volunteers at Ecole Ste. Anne Immersion.

"I intend to continue volunteering as long as my health permits," says Lavack. "It's important for me because I had the example of my parents, who always volunteered in their communities."

"She's putting others ahead of her own needs," says Vicki Bouchard, Lavack's niece and nominator, who says she has a talent for recognizing where support is needed.

While teaching, she noticed children with food insecurity. So, in 2016, she helped create a food bank called, Accueil Kateri Centre Inc.

"I find it enriches my soul," she says.

Lavack's $500 donation was to Accueil Kateri Centre.

Jennifer Plett moved to Landmark in 1998. She says her desire to have a tight-knit community is what made her decide to replace the town playgrounds, which were in terrible shape.

"I was worried they wouldn't be safe to play on," says Plett.

Plett was inspired to lead a project which would see several new structures built in different locations in Landmark. She says the proudest moment was seeing the end product.

"I get to see the kids playing on them and laughing," says Plett. "It is very gratifying."

Plett also helped to organize a fundraiser after a young boy in their community was hit by a speeding car while crossing the street.

Plett says the reason why she concentrates her efforts on projects that benefit families and children is because kids inspire her to make improvements for the next generation.

"Some people are gifted with things like creativity," says Plett. "Mine are stubbornness and organization."

Jeannot Robert has lived in Ste. Agathe since the 1970's. He chaired the Ste. Agathe Community Development Incorporation for more than ten years and was instrumental in building the industrial park and recreational park.

During the flood of 1997, Robert directed sandbagging and culvert closing efforts. He also served on the dike construction committee with the province.

"He's the heart and soul of the community," says Jackie Hunt, who served with him for six years on Ritchot Council. "He always sees the glass as half full."

"We're so lucky in this province and I volunteer because I like to make improvements," says Robert. "And for people to enjoy your area."

Robert says he hopes to see more small businesses and services in Ste. Agathe in order to support his neighbours, especially young families.

"It's important for me," he says. "To be more like a family-based community."

Robert says Ste. Agathe today has a very young population with a lot of children in kindergarten and preschool.

"Which is what we were aiming for," he says. "And by doing this you make sure of your continuation of your village and your area."

When children play baseball in the park, families watch fireworks at the Cheyenne Summer Festival, or parents drop off their kids at daycare, they are doing this on a foundation that Robert helped to lay.

Click here for the complete list of recipients.