Célébrons nos bénévoles
Across the country, Federal Retirees volunteers support our members, lead branches, advance advocacy campaigns and help build strong communities for retirees and their families.
Our Volunteer Recognition Program highlights the people and branches whose work makes a meaningful difference.
Why volunteers matter
Our association was built by volunteers, and it continues to grow because of them. From our board of directors to local leaders, advocates and storytellers, volunteers play a vital role in our shared work that:
- Advances advocacy for dignity in aging and the protection of earned benefits.
- Welcomes new members and builds community across Canada.
- Brings local activities and learning opportunities to life.
- Centres member voices, stories and lived experience.
Comment nous reconnaissons nos bénévoles
Notre Programme national de reconnaissance des bénévoles célèbre les personnes et les sections dont les efforts ont une réelle portée.
Chaque année, nous :
- décernons des prix nationaux à des bénévoles et à des sections exceptionnels;
- rendons hommage aux récipiendaires lors d’une cérémonie annuelle;
- partageons leurs histoires dans le magazine Sage, sur notre site Web, dans nos bulletins d’information et sur les médias sociaux, pour que les membres de partout au Canada puissent les connaître;
- encourageons la reconnaissance au niveau des sections, où celles‑ci mettent en valeur et remercient leurs bénévoles locaux lors de leurs propres activités et dans leurs communications locales;
- reconnaissons leur temps, leur dévouement, leur leadership et leur impact.
Volunteer Recognition Awards
In 2026, our Volunteer Recognition Awards will once again honour individuals and branches whose leadership, collaboration and commitment inspire others.
But we believe that recognizing our volunteers inspires us all. It’s one of the few ways our Association can highlight the immense value we place on their contributions.
Prix décernés à des individus en 2026
Prix du leadership Claude-Edwards
Le prix rend hommage à un·e bénévole dont le leadership a eu une incidence significative et positive sur sa section, sa région ou l’association dans son ensemble.
Collaboration Award
Presented to a volunteer who brings people together, across branches, districts, partners or communities to achieve shared goals and better outcomes for members.
Volunteerism Award
Honours an association member who demonstrates an outstanding commitment to community service through their volunteer activities, within Federal Retirees and beyond.
2026 Branch Excellence Awards
These awards recognize branches that go above and beyond in serving members, supporting volunteers and advancing our mission.
Small Branch Excellence Award
Medium Branch Excellence Award
Large Branch Excellence Award
Branch with Employees Excellence Award
Each of these branches exemplifies innovation, strong governance, effective volunteer engagement and meaningful results for members.
Past award recipients
Over the years, volunteers and branches across the country have been recognized for their leadership, service and dedication. While each award recipient brings their own story, they all share a commitment to strengthening our association and supporting members in meaningful ways.
Please join us in congratulating the Volunteer Recognition Awards recipients and nominees! Award categories and formats have evolved over time to reflect the changing work of volunteers and branches.
2025 Individual Awards
Claude Edwards Leadership Award: Shawna Murphy, Saskatoon & Area Branch
Collaboration Award: Jim Lystar, London Branch
Volunteerism Award: Terry Gunnlaugson, Western Manitoba Branch
Small Branch Excellence: North Nova Branch
Branch with Employees: Ottawa Branch
Claude Edwards Leadership Award: Ian Spence, Fraser Valley West Branch
Collaboration Award: Helen and Larry Crabb, Central Okanagan Branch
Volunteerism Award: Line Lecours, Mauricie Branch
Small Branch Excellence: Central Manitoba Branch
Medium Branch Excellence: Southern Alberta Branch
Below is a curated list of past award recipients. This list will continue to grow as we celebrate the exceptional individuals and branches who inspire others and embody the values of Federal Retirees.
2023 Individual Awards
- Claude Edwards Leadership Award: Robert Giroux, president, Ottawa Branch
- Collaboration Award: Jacques Lecompte, secretary, Outaouais Branch
- Volunteerism Award: Gerard Carmichael, director, Kitchener Waterloo & District Branch
Branch Excellence Awards
- Advocacy Awards: Nanaimo & Area Branch
- Membership Recruitment and Engagement Award: Outaouais Branch
- Volunteer Support and Development Award: Winnipeg & Area Branch
2022 Individual Awards
- Fred Whitehouse Founder’s Award: Jean-Guy Soulière (former association president)
- Claude Edwards Leadership Award: Micheline LeFrancois, first vice-president, Quebec Branch
- Collaboration Award: Maggie Smith, director, social media, Calgary & District Branch
Branch Excellence Awards
- Membership Recruitment and Engagement Award: Ottawa Branch
- Large Branch Award: Central Okanagan Branch and the Charlottetown Branch
2021 Individual Awards
- Claude Edwards Leadership Award: Shirley Pierce, advocacy program officer, Charlottetown Branch
- Collaboration Award: Jacynthe Trudel, membership director, Mauricie Branch
- Volunteerism Award: Tim Hoban, vice-president, Miramichi Branch
Branch Excellence Awards
- The Advocacy Award: Quebec Branch
2020 Individual Awards
- Claude Edwards Leadership Award: Bernd Hirsekorn, branch president, Fraser Valley West Branch
- Collaboration Award: Gerry Thompson, director, Calgary Branch
- Volunteerism Award: Winston Jenkins, vice president, Central Newfoundland Branch
Branch Excellence Awards
- The Advocacy Award: Southern Alberta Branch
- The Membership Recruitment and Engagement Award: Edmonton Branch
- The Branch Excellence Award (large branch): Ottawa Branch
2019 Individual Awards
- Claude Edwards Leadership Award: Yves Bouchard, first vice president, Québec Branch and Stephen Troy, (posthumous), Former President, Ottawa Branch and Branch Services Coordinator
- Collaboration Award: Daniel Morin, president, Montreal Branch
- Volunteerism Award: Clifford Poirier, president, Summerside Branch
Branch Excellence Awards
- Advocacy Award: The Fredericton & District Branch
- Membership Recruitment and Engagement Award: Ottawa Branch
- Branch Excellence, Large Branch: Québec Branch and Hamilton & Area Branch
- The Branch Excellence Award, Small Branch: Colchester East-Hants Branch
2018 Individual Awards
- Claude Edwards Leadership Award: Vic Ashdown, Nanaimo and Area Branch
- Collaboration Award: Christine Desloges, Ottawa Branch
- Volunteerism Award: Pierre Cousineau, Québec Branch
Branch Excellence Awards
- Advocacy Award: The Winnipeg and District Branch
- Membership Recruitment and Engagement Award: Québec Branch
- Volunteer Recruitment and Engagement Award: Winnipeg & District Branch
Nominate a volunteer
See someone going above and beyond? Tell us.
If you know a volunteer or branch that is making a remarkable contribution, consider submitting a nomination. Your nomination helps us discover and celebrate stories that might otherwise go untold, and it lets volunteers know just how much their efforts are appreciated.
Explore volunteer opportunities
Curious about volunteering with Federal Retirees?
Whether you’re interested in a few hours a month or something more involved, there are many opportunities to contribute:
- Serve at your branch or through committee work.
- Share your stories, skills or experience on special projects.
- Help with events, outreach or member services.
- Take part in advocacy efforts in your community.
Volunteering is a meaningful way to stay connected, use your skills and support positive aging across Canada.
Comité de reconnaissance des bénévoles
Notre Comité de reconnaissance des bénévoles est responsable des candidatures aux prix et du processus de sélection. Le comité examine les candidatures et recommande les récipiendaires, ce qui veille à ce que le programme soit juste, rigoureux et tienne compte des nombreuses façons dont les bénévoles contribuent à nos membres, succursales et collectivités. Tous les ans, le comité contribue à mettre en lumière les histoires de bénévoles dont le travail a un impact réel partout au Canada.
Un grand merci aux membres du Comité de reconnaissance des bénévoles, aux personnes qui proposent des candidatures et, bien sûr, à nos extraordinaires bénévoles.
- Ted Young, président
- Sharon Squire, membre
- Léonard LeBlanc, membre
- Brian Strongman, membre
- Léonard LeBlanc, président
- Sharon Squire, administratrice nationale, Ottawa et Nunavut
- Brian Strongman, membre
- Richard Chevrier, membre
- Leo O’Brien, président, Section de la péninsule d’Avalon-Burin
- Michelle Langille, APDI, Nouvelle-Écosse
- Veronica Britton, CSS, Est de l’Ontario
- Ted Young, président
- Shawn McCord, consultant principal, belairdirect
- Dr. Kiran Rabheru, professor of psychiatry and geriatric psychiatrist with the University of Ottawa, senior investigator with the
- Bruyère Health Research Institute, chair of the board for the International Longevity Centre, chair of the Canadian Coalition Against Ageism
- Gail Curran, volunteer engagement officer
- Ysabel Anderson, administrative assistant
For additional information, please contact Gail Curran, volunteer engagement officer, at 613-745-2559, ext. 235 or volunteersupport@federalretirees.ca