In honour of those who don't count the hours in the service of others

Although Réjeanne Scully undoubtedly embodies all aspects of the spirit of volunteerism, the Hommage aux Bénévoles 2009 recognized 113 other individuals and 10 organizations for their exceptional contributions to the quality of life of thousands of Laval residents, ranging from scouts to the handicapped. From these 124 nominations, a jury of 10 community leaders selected 23 individuals and two organizations for special recognition. Of note, the jury counted five former award-winning volunteers among its membership, which for the first time also included a youth representative.

The 23 individual winners, who took home several prizes, including a Hosia, a clay sculpture fashioned by the hands of local artists Serge Roy and Gregory Schlybert, are:

Rachid Ababou, Huguette Leriche Benoit, Pauline Bergeron, Monique Beaudry, Marie-Anne Cardinal, Claude Catafard, Paul Courville, Nathalie Desmeules, Lise Dorais, Françoise Filion, Isabelle Guimond, Véronique Godon, Jeannette and Paul Houde, Jacqueline Lapierre, Daphnée Lavigne, Claire Le Guerrier, Agathe Léveillé, François Mayrand, Gilles Ouellet, Jean-Luc Péloquin, André Perrault, Pascale Quessy.

The award for Volunteer Event of the Year went to the Les Festivités de l'Ouest. The prize for Organization of the Year was awarded to the Maison des enfants le Dauphin.

Renowned television host Guy Mongrain emceed the gala with the flair and fashion of a consummate animator, full of spirit, humour, and creative ad libbing which kept the audience in stitches throughout the evening. The entertainment part of the gala, which featured Années Jeunesse was brought to a fitting conclusion by the inimitable Joël Denis, whose singing, dancing, and fine touch with the audience, proved o again that when people gather in the name of compassion, selflessness, generosity, and dedication to the needs of others, everyone wins.