This year’s ISSC Volunteer Award was determined by reviewing a total of three nominations from across Canada. As you are likely aware, the Peter G. Bernard, Q.C. Volunteer Recognition Award was established to recognize volunteers that go the extra mile in helping to provide a warm and hospitable welcome to seafarers visiting Canadian ports. The ISSC committee that reviews the nominations was impressed by all three candidates this year and found it especially helpful when specific examples were given of how individuals provided a warm and hospitable welcome to seafarers along with how long they have been serving as a volunteer. It was clear that all the volunteers nominated this year were contributing significantly to welfare of seafarers and they should all be congratulated and thanked for their fine service.
This year’s Peter G. Bernard Volunteer Recognition Award goes to… Susan and Norman Picton for their work at the Mission to Seafarers in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Susan and Norman Picton epitomize the meaning of “giving back” to their community – volunteerism at it’s best! When not leading community projects in St. Margaret’s Bay these incredibly productive volunteers are planning our next event. These extraordinary volunteers have been with our Mission to Seafarers in Halifax for almost six years. Anyone who visits our Mission on Friday mornings have witnessed first-hand the vim, vigor and vitality of this passionate team. Norman is a retired business executive, (VP for CIMCO for 25 years), and is currently Chair of our Property Committee. Instrumental in planning, transporting, buying supplies for the upkeep of our building as well as building, fixing and repairing, no task is too large for Norman. Susan is a retired business manager who keeps us all on our toes with an abundance of team-oriented ideas and social activities to enhance the Mission’s volunteer environment.