Throughout the pandemic, we’ve been surprising deserving volunteers with Community Builder Awards by inviting them to Zoom calls disguised as team meetings, project check ins, or any reason their nominator thinks would get them to join a mysterious video call.
We’ve witnessed countless shocked expressions, shared many tears, and heard a symphony of virtual applause and cheers from family, friends, and fellow recipients.
On July 28, in collaboration with Apt613, we embarked on our first in-person Community Builder Award presentation in over two years, and we couldn’t have been more excited!
On a sunny summer morning, we showed up to the NeighbourLink Fountain in Arnprior, a local non-profit organization, to award 92-year-old Gordon Bethune with a Community Builder Award.
Jade Nauman, Regional Director for Renfrew County at United Way East Ontario, presented the award while Gordon was surrounded by fellow volunteers and friends.
For more than 15 years, Gordon has been building a legacy as a strong influence in his community through his volunteer work and dedication to helping others.
In 2003, Gordon co-founded the NeighbourLink Fountain with a mission to help the community in Arnprior and surrounding areas meet residents’ needs. NeighbourLink Fountain expanded in 2009 to provide a community centre, with services such as a thrift shop, an activity room, a community kitchen, and more.
MEET OUR NEWEST COMMUNITY BUILDER:
Gordon Bethune
