Article content North Sydney’s Michael MacMillan was one of the winners in this year’s 51st annual Provincial Volunteer Awards given out in Halifax late last month. He represented the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and was nominated for the work he has done in advancing sports for youth, especially basketball. IAN NATHANSON/Cape Breton PostArticle contentCape Breton Regional MunicipalityArticle contentMichael MacMillan Article contentMichael MacMillan has a 20-year-history with Cape Breton’s basketball community. He has coached at schools, helped build the Jr. Marauders brand, and was instrumental in developing the Northside Youth Basketball Association’s programs. His volunteer work includes baseball, soccer and hockey. MacMillan is a graphic designer at Breton Ability, where he supports individuals with varying abilities through the learning and employment centre. MacMillan inspires athletes to value hard work, respect, and teamwork, creating an environment where everyone feels included and motivated. His passion, leadership, and selfless dedication have shaped young lives and strengthened the sports community throughout the region.Article content Membertou First Nation’s member Buster Matthews was this year’s recipient of a Provincial Volunteer Award handed out to a few Nova Scotians on Sept. 29 in Halifax, Matthews was nominated for all the work he does for youth in Membertou. Above, he is seen at this year’s Blue Jean Jacket walk held in May. ROSEMARY GODIN/Cape Breton PostArticle contentMembertouArticle contentBuster Matthews Article contentSince 1990, Buster Mathews has contributed his time to help provide access and availability to the youth in Membertou. Buster would go to Membertou hockey ice times and help with the children by tying skates, providing pucks, water bottles and a certain drink the kids called “Buster Juice” (which was Gatorade). Since 1975, he has volunteered with the Wally Bernard Memorial Youth Hockey Tournament handing out trophies and presentations. Buster is always providing support for the youth to attend certain events whether it’s hockey tournaments, hockey schools, baseball tourneys, or dance/cheer competitions. His commitment to the youth in the community is overwhelming and is an outstanding example of selflessness.Article contentArticle contentMunicipality of the County of RichmondArticle contentCharlie Martell Article contentCharlie Martell is a catalyst for change in his community. On Dec. 29, 2024, a longtime L’Ardoise community member lost their home to a devastating fire. Without hesitation, Charlie stepped forward, offering support to help rebuild. His efforts inspired local contractors, community members, and business owners to come together to make their new home a reality. Charlie’s ability to unite others in a time of need did not go unnoticed. He is a true community champion.Article contentMunicipality of the County of InvernessArticle contentDarlene Boudreau Article contentDarlene Boudreau has been an active and devoted member of the Sacred Heart Community Health Centre Auxiliary for over a decade. Hospital auxiliary members dedicate many volunteer hours to raise funds to purchase equipment and other needs for the hospital. In Cheticamp, the auxiliary also focuses on Foyer Père Fiset, the dialysis and occupational therapy departments, as well as the hospital equipment loan program. Events and activities organized by the Sacred Heart Community Health Centre Auxiliary are always well planned, thanks to Darlene. Darlene reserves facilities, calls volunteers to arrange for baked goods and much more. Darlene purchases and supplies hospital patient rooms with toiletries, and she also distributes cards from the auxiliary to the sick, those in need of surgery and those who have had a death in the family.Article contentArticle contentPotlotek First NationArticle contentFrancis Xavier Doucette Article contentFrancis Doucette joined the volunteer fire department more than 40 years ago and in 2008, trained to be a medical first responder for the community. An army cadet in his youth, he volunteered to help with his local division in 2005 when his son joined them. He offers to chaperone youth trips to events such as movies, the circus and Halloween events. Doucette will dress up as Santa Claus for the kids for Christmas. He and his wife have taken young people salmon fishing on the Margaree River. Doucette is a regular volunteer at the Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Summer Games doing anything that is needed. He was always there as a bingo caller for the many fundraising events held for school trips. In 2015 Francis took on the responsibility of being one of the Keptin’s in our community as a representative on the Grand Council of Mi’kma’ki.
Cape Breton volunteers honoured at provincial ceremony
