Promotional graphic announcing “Volunteer of the Year” for Victoria County, 2026. A circular badge in the center reads “Victoria County – Naturally Connected – 2026,” surrounded by the words “Volunteer of the Year.” The background is teal-blue with the categories “Youth,” “Individual,” and “Group” placed around the badge. Text at the bottom states, “Nominations are open!”

Victoria County Now Accepting Nominations for 2026 Volunteer of the Year 

Victoria County is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Volunteer of the Year Award, recognizing the individuals and groups who make a lasting difference in communities across the County. 

Residents are encouraged to nominate a youth, individual or community group who demonstrates exceptional commitment to volunteerism by April 27, 2026. 

Volunteers play a vital role in shaping strong, connected communities. Whether it’s organizing events, supporting neighbours, leading community initiatives or quietly helping behind the scenes, their contributions often go unrecognized. This award is an opportunity to formally acknowledge that impact. 

“Volunteers are the backbone of our communities,” said Warden Jackie Organ. “This program is a way to recognize their dedication and ensure their efforts are celebrated.” 

One nominee will be selected as Victoria County’s Volunteer of the Year and will: 

  • Receive a $500 honorarium 
  • Be recognized on Victoria County’s website, social media and in News & Views 
  • Have the option to attend the Provincial Volunteer Awards ceremony 

Nominations are open in three categories: 

  • Youth (ages 13–24) 
  • Individual 
  • Community Group 

All nominees must volunteer within the Municipality of the County of Victoria. 

How to Nominate 

Nominations can be submitted online or by completing a printed form. Paper copies are available at the Municipal Administration Building in Baddeck or by request. 

Residents are encouraged to take a few minutes to recognize someone who is making a difference.  

Deadline for nominations: April 27, 2026 

For more information or assistance with submitting a nomination, contact: 
Yvette Rogers, Community Development Coordinator 
yvette.rogers@victoriacounty.ca 
902-295-8135 

Submit your nomination
Nancy Cronin, the 2025 Volunteer of the Year for Victoria County, is seated on a wooden bench wearing a dark blue jacket and pants, pink shoes and scarf, and holding walking poles. The ocean and a sandy beach is in the background.

Volunteer of the Year: Nancy Cronin  

Volunteerism lies at the heart of many communities across Victoria County and non-profit organizations rely on individuals who generously give their time, energy and ideas.   

Each year, Victoria County proudly recognizes one of these outstanding individuals through the Volunteer of the Year Award. 

 The 2025 recipient is Nancy Cronin—nominated for this award not once, but three times for her commitment to community involvement, including:

  • Serving as the Community Champion for pickleball at Boularderie School  
  • Acting as Volunteer Coordinator for the Ross Ferry Stewardship Society  
  • Serving on the Board of Boularderie Island Connected, which hosts cooking classes and lunch and learns for seniors  
  • Volunteering at the monthly breakfasts at Big Bras d’Or Community Hall  
  • Co-coordinating a local foot care clinic  
  • Co-chair on the Victoria County Community Health Board

People who know Nancy describe her as a source of positive energy and encouragement. Nancy is always willing to help with various events across our county and volunteering is an opportunity for her to contribute to her community’s wellbeing.   

Congratulations Nancy on this well-deserved acknowledgement!  

▶️ Watch our feature interview with Nancy Cronin.  

Photograph of Shelley Coones, Ryan Costello & Billy Joe Robertson and text reading, "2024 Volunteers of the Year" with the Victoria County Logo

2024 Victoria County Volunteers of the Year!

Photo of Larry Dauphinee, Deputy Warden and District #6 Councillor handing a cheque for $500.00 to Shelley Coones, Ryan Costello & Billy Joe Robertson in Ingonish.

Shelly Coones, Billy Joe Robinson & Ryan Costello, were selected as the 2024 Volunteers of the Year! These three volunteers will be representing Victoria County at the Nova Scotia Provincial Volunteer Awards in Truro on September 18th, 2024. The above photo Larry Dauphinee, Deputy Warden and District #6 Councillor handing a cheque for $500.00 to the group in Ingonish.

Power House Volunteers

If you’re from outside Ingonish, you might not know these smiling faces, but not a chance if you live in Ingonish! This power house of three volunteers devote their time to the community all year long, so it’s hard to miss them.

Shelly Coones, Ryan Costello and Bill Joe Robinson can be found just about everywhere there’s a community gathering. In fact, they’re busy giving of their time from those cold December days right through until it comes around again. From volunteering for the Christmas Parade, to offering their time and hours to the Cape Smokey Race Team, then putting on the scavenger hunt and games at the Ingonish ball field, to getting through the overwhelming list of tasks, activities and ticket sales required to pull off the Huckle Buckle Fall Festival event in October. It’s a year-round team who not only raise money for charity, but also put in time and effort on community development initiatives. Community is at the heart of everything they do.

Information on the process for Volunteer of the Year selection can be found at Volunteer Nomination Information – Victoria County

2024 Nominated Volunteers

Victoria County is honoured to have an amazing number of residents nominated into this year’s Volunteer of the Year. Each nominee gives of their time and energy for the betterment of community. If it wasn’t for these and the countless others who go unrecognized, we would all be a little less together. Thank you for your selflessness.

Marjorie Fougere: A dedicated volunteer in Baddeck, and the driving force behind the Victoria County Hospital Foundation’s most successful fundraiser! With a vision to helping raise funds, Marjorie started a golf tournament that quickly became a popular annual event. Thanks to her drive and energy, the tournament has raised significant funds for the foundation. The success of the tournament is a testament to what one person’s passion, coupled with community spirit, can achieve.

Daniel Nicholson: In 2019, this creative university student took a leap of faith and introduced a novel fundraising idea for the Hospital Foundation—a Duck Race! Daniel engineered a unique finish line that ensured a fair and exciting race, allowing only one duck to pass at a time. Each year, he meticulously sets off 1,300 plastic ducks and a flotilla. Following the race, he collects each duck, ensuring they are ready for their next voyage. The Duck Race has become an annual community fundraiser drive for the young and old in Baddeck.

Gorden MacKay: Well-known Baddeck resident Gorden MacKay’s unwavering kindness and community spirit is embraced by many. Born with an intellectual disability, it’s never dampened his friendly demeanor and outreach to others. When his mother moved into Alderwood Care Centre in Baddeck, Gorden’s daily visits became a beacon of joy, not just for her but for all the residents. His move to Alderwood in 2020 only deepened his role as the heart of recreation at the Centre. With a funny quip always at the ready, he lifts the spirits of those returning from the hospital, asking nothing in return but the joy of their company.

Greg Redquest:  As an employee of the Freshmart grocer in Ingonish, Greg has become the unsung hero of the aisles. His day extends beyond the routine of stocking shelves; he is a lifeline for those confined to their homes. Whether due to age or circumstance, he ensures that no one is left without essentials, personally grocery shopping for them with care and attention. His kindness doesn’t stop at the doorstep; he offers rides, assists with errands, and delivers food with a smile that’s as nourishing as the meals he brings. In a place where everyone knows your name, he is more than an employee—he is a helper and a friend.  

Nancy Cronin: Since joining the Ross Ferry Stewardship Society in 2021 as a Volunteer Coordinator, Nancy has been the driving force behind a surge in community involvement. Her innovative strategies for recruiting volunteers has significantly bolstered the society’s membership, sparking a new-found awareness of both the society and the Ross Ferry Marine Park. Nancy’s creative outreach methods are infused with her positive energy and keen ability to draw the Ross Ferry community together.

BOLD Community Centre: In the heart of Baddeck, the BOLD organization stands as a beacon of community spirit and engagement. Driven by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors, BOLD is more than just a day camp for kids and seniors’ community center—it’s a vibrant hub that embodies the essence of community. With a mission to foster a positive impact through diverse programming, BOLD welcomes over 300 participants monthly, and spans all age groups. It’s a place where recreation meets mental and physical well-being, offering a supportive environment for young families adapting to rural life and ensuring accessibility for all community members.

Waterfront Baddeck:  Championed by a dedicated group of volunteers, Waterfront Baddeck is passionate to revitalize the Village waterfront. This team, united in preservation but looking towards future development, has devoted innumerable hours to enhance Kidston Island’s natural beauty. From gathering climate change data to ensuring their efforts are informed and impactful, they work in collaboration with the Baddeck Lions Club, to upkeep the scenic trails, fostering a connection between nature and the community. Their relentless pursuit of funding for the boardwalk’s redevelopment is a testament to their determination to create a space that is not only a hub for community gatherings but also a driver of economic sustainability.