By Rosalind Russell – A small group of dedicated volunteers and supporters gathered in Espanola Wednesday evening to celebrate a notable peer.
Manitoulin Northshore members of the Victims Crisis Assistance and Referral Services met at the Red McCarthy Pavilion to honour Joe Charette of Espanola, this year’s Volunteer of the Year.
Executive Director Amy Collins says Charette has been volunteering with the organization for 16 years providing emotional support and guidance to those who have experienced victimization.
She adds he attends all the meetings, keeps up with all the training and answers calls that come at any time of the day.
Collins adds he also manages to find time to volunteer with the Lions, Meals on Wheels and other organizations.
Charette was then presented with a plaque at the barbecue held in his honour.
PHOTOS: A barbecue was held for the members and supporters of the Manitoulin Northshore VCARS to mark another year of supporting the organization and to honour Joe Charette of Espanola as the Volunteer of the Year. Charette has been a volunteer since 2008. The evening also included some games and socializing among the attendees who hailed from Espanola, North Shore and Manitoulin Island. Photos by Rosalind Russell