2019 Wellness Champions
Meet the 2019 Wellness Champions
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Alivia Warr is a grade 12 student at St. Malachy’s Memorial High School.
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Amanda Beckwith has been a key player in the lives of newcomers. She worked with the newcomer and mainstream community members of Prude Inc. and continues to make a difference in their quality of life.
Amanda has a compassion and love of people that extends to her fur-babies, showing equal dedication and commitment to their health and wellbeing. She also shares her personal wellness journey with many people and is an inspiration to all who meet her. She enjoys being active because it makes her feel strong, gives her confidence, helps her mind and brings joy to her life. Amanda’s great attitude, dedication and ability to overcome, makes her very deserving of a wellness champion award. |
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Brenda Doucet was instrumental in providing leadership to establish the KV Pickleball Club in 2018.
Brenda’s wonderful organizational skills helps make hosting and attending numerous indoor and outdoor events at various venues in the Greater Saint John Area easier for all involved. She also ensures everyone is connected and informed through the Club’s social media. Thank you Brenda for growing this new wellness initiative in the Kennebecasis Valley. s |
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Claire Oliver is a grade 11 at Saint John High School has an impressive resume of involvement in her local community of Grand Bay-Westfield, her school, her province of New Brunswick and her country of Canada.
SJHS: Student Council, Athletics Committee Head 2018, Me to We Secretary 2018, Breakfast Club, Me to We President 2019 Community: Saint John Track Club youth programs- 2018, Tiny tots - Run, jump, throw, wheel Meets, Coaching with Saint John Amateur Speed Skating Club 2014, Grand Bay-Westfield Terry Fox Walk Organizer 2017, West Side Food Bank |
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When Gina Chiarella arrived from Toronto to Rothesay a couple of years ago to be near her parents, she did not hesitate to become involved in her new community. She got to know her neighbours and organized activities and social events for Chapel Hill. Age Friendly Communities movement in Rothesay. A valued member of the Advisory Committee for the Rothesay HIVE, helping to spread the word about our new Age Friendly Centre, promoting the healthy benefits of exercise with the Walking Club, chair yoga and exercise classes. She has also helped organize social events such as the first Afternoon Tea and Trivia Night, promoting mental and emotional fitness. Gina is a wonderful, community-minded spirit whose smile and positive attitude brighten every room she enters. She is a real plus to the Rothesay community!
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Gloria Dawn Halvorsen is a musician/songwriter hailing from Saint John, NB, Canada. After years of working behind the scenes as a sound engineer, Gloria has finally started offering her own music to the public. She has contributed to many trans awareness and support causes.
In her work with various charitable organizations and activities she has helped raise millions for those in need. Gloria speaks on panels, conferences, at universities and schools, as well as, hosts education workshops. Her "the art of activism" talk was the highest rated session of the Pride and Education Conference in 2018. She is seen around the Fundy Region as a musician and in the past year she has performed for the Prime Minister. Gloria has received a Women of Distinction award, Jason Tidd Award and a Port City Music Award. |
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Julia Rogers (along with her three co-creators and co-organizers Brooke Cheeks, Emilie Chiasson, and Kristen Scott) is a champion behind the "Brick City Ballers" - an inclusive Women's+ basketball league held during the fall and winter. The league is dedicated to providing a supportive, safe and inclusive environment for all players.
They reject the toxicity often inherently linked to recreational sports and aim instead to foster community through team-building and skill-sharing. They pledge to revisit the league’s structure and format on a regular basis to accommodate feedback received from the members. The league is committed to eliminating any barriers to participation (transportation, registration cost, access to childcare, etc.) experienced by interested participants. |
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Faced with a lifetime of grief, Katherine Lorette, has found a way to honour her sister Caroline, who died from a severe allergic reaction in 2014. With hopes of preventing another tragedy like Caroline’s, Katherine found the strength to promote allergy awareness in the community. Katherine shares her own story in the video Caroline’s Story which replays the night her sister experienced an anaphylaxis reaction.
She also filmed 2 videos, in English and French, to be used for education in schools around New Brunswick. The videos teach signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, and train viewers on EpiPen® use. I am so proud to see what Katherine has accomplished under such difficult circumstances to help others. |
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The KVDVO Board of Directors, all volunteers, have contributed to both mental and emotional well being of young people in our community.
Programs and initiatives done in the past year include:
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Louise Pelletier, infirmière praticienne et en particulier à travailler auprès des nouveaux-arrivants. Elle se démarque car elle va delà de son champ de pratique. Elle fait des visites avec ses patients dans la communauté, ou à domicile lorsque nécessaire. Elle s’assure de connecter les gens avec les ressources dans la communauté. Elle poursuit même des études supérieures afin de mieux comprendre et répondre aux besoins de la communauté nouvelle arrivante. Elle est soucieuse de la santé globale, c’est-à-dire, les déterminants de la santé de ses patients et des gens qu’elle côtoie dans sa communauté. Son chemin personnel et professionnel sont remplis de compassion et d’entraide pour son prochain. Louise est une famille nourricière, elle a fait une mission humanitaire en Afrique, elle accompagne et parle au nom de ceux qui ne peuvent pas communiquer. De plus, elle travaille étroitement avec les nouveaux arrivants afin de favoriser leur inclusion et intégration. Louise s’implique dans le mieux-être de sa communauté. Elle est une citoyenne engagée autant dans sa vie familiale comme professionnelle. Louise se démarque grandement dans son milieu de travail et sa communauté comme une championne du mieux-être. La passion qu’elle possède pour le mieux-être des autres, est un véritable atout pour la communauté et le travail et mérite d’être reconnu comme une championne du mieux-être. Louise est très appréciée par ses collègues et ses partenaires communautaires.
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Nancy Hart has played a key role in the Quispamsis Seniors Club. For the past few years she has provided the coordination and leadership required to deliver the various activities enjoyed by Club members.
From card tournaments to information sessions by a variety of special guest speakers Nancy has generously volunteered to make it happen. Nancy’s thoughtful way and attention to numerous details is appreciated by community members who look forward to the Thursday gatherings at the Quispamsis Civic Centre. Thank you Nancy. |
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Noah Donovan began the initiative Backpacks for Homeless – Saint John. Through social media he sent messages to various businesses and the project grew. Donations from businesses and individuals are packed into backpacks and delivered by the police to people on the streets that are in serious need of them. Since the project began hundreds of backpacks have been provided to those in need.
Noah shared the following in an interview with the Telegraph Journal “I feel strongly for this cause because honestly it can happen to any one of us at any given time. A factory can close, a health crisis, an accident. We are all a few steps away from homelessness, and wouldn’t it be nice to know that someone cares enough to try to help even a little?” Noah has since become a post-secondary student and launched a couple of new companies which provide a variety of products to all ages; however, he remains committed to the backpack project. Thank you Noah. |
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The Rothesay Hive Age-Friendly Committee of Rothesay council, oversee the function of Rothesay Hive. The centre is a joint function between the Town of Rothesay, providing space and support functions, and the Regional Y who provide staff and programming. The Hive provides educational, supportive and social functions and mental and physical health initiatives to seniors from across the region. It fills a need identified by seniors in a Town of Rothesay 2017 survey. Committee members are passionate about supporting seniors in their homes and continue to work on new initiatives for healthy aging.
Committee members: Councillor Miriam Wells (Chair), Diane O'Connor (Vice-Chair), Julie Atkinson, Gina Chiarella, Scott Cochrane, Jill Jennings, Dr. Shawn Jennings, Jean Porter Mowatt, Nea Stephenson, Robert Taylor, Stephanie Underhill Tomilson, Keri Flood (Rothesay Recreation), Danielle Hawkins (HIVE Coordinator), Natalie Reid (YMCA). |
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The staff of KV Fitbody Bootcamp understand that daily life can make it difficult to make your wellness a priority. They offer opportunities for success through flexible workouts, nutrition coaching and smart goal-setting.
For the past few summers KV Fitbody has provided FREE monthly workouts in the Town of Quispamsis at James Rolfe Field. President and Chief Motivating Officer, Sean Barker, coordinates a dynamic free-of-charge event for community fitness fans. Sean’s dedication has helped improve the wellness of Quispamsis residents and visitors as they become stronger, leaner, healthier, and more energized. Thank you Sean Barker. |
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Shelly Scott volunteers for several organizations in Saint John.
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Tammy London has worked as the Co-ordinator/operator of the River Road Hub for the past year and is past-president of the Greenwich Recreation Board of Directors. She is a tireless volunteer, organizing activities for all age groups at the River Road Hub and taking bookings for rentals as well as leader of one of the two Community Breakfast teams. Tammy along with a Committee of Volunteers has organized Wellness Week Activities for the past two years. The River Road Hub couldn't operate without her.
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The Strong Communities Committee are a group of community volunteers that promotes the mission, vision and values and goals of the YMCA Strong communities Campaign.
Through fundraising, meeting donors, and raising money for our annual campaign they are helping families live healthier and happier lives. They help youth get access to y programs and families with an all inclusive membership. They help older adults in activities that focus on socialization, connection and health and wellness. No one is turned away at the Y. |
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Bill MacMackin has been a health and wellness champion for people living in the Fundy region for many years.
This year the City of Saint John would like Bill to be recognized for his tireless efforts on the Greater Saint John Field House Project,as well as, being co-chair of the East Coast Games. Thanks to Bill for making the Fundy Region a better place to live, work and play! |
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Caitlyn Colquhoun is a local dentist and an inspirational leader who has taken her dental profession to a whole new level of care.
She had a vision and passion a few years ago to help those who were unable to access and afford the proper dental care. Caitlyn, with the support of her amazing volunteer team of professionals, advocated tirelessly to see her dream become a reality. Without her leadership and perseverance, Outflow would have never been able to open a dental clinic. Other volunteer efforts include:
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A retired teacher, Della Webster has been involved in her community whether it be where she lives in Brown's Flat, in Saint John or even internationally.
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Greg Hemmings- entrepreneur focused on creating a happier and kinder world though passionate storytelling. His company Hemmings House is a B Corp film and video production company that focus on stories that matter.
Greg and his 10 year old daughter Kaiya Hemmings produce a YouTube series called Heart Fun that encourages people to create safe and inclusive environments for kids and adults to be the best creative selves they can be. Though Heart Fun, Kaiya has created many T Shirts that have been sold to raise money for many causes she believes in. Heart Fun has also opened many doors for Kaiya to speak in front of many people at different conferences and speaking events including the YES Conference and the WE Day affiliated "We Believe" event at Harbour Station where more than 7000 students gathered to hear from inspiring speakers. |
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Kathy has strong community values. Her nominator has volunteered with her and watched her caring ways, for example with support of community gardens and wellness and well being for homeless people.
Kathy listens to her community and gives her very best. To have such a positive impact with all ages is really a gift which she shares with all who she comes in contact with. Kathy has help provided flu clinics for community and gone to schools to teach life skills. Other examples of Kathy’s work includes sharing information with the community to educate them on what is available to assist their needs, she assisted in obtaining grant funding to teach young people cooking skills and the value of eating healthy. |
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Pat has tirelessly given her time to local organizations including Roots of Empathy and the Link Program. These programs are integral in Anglophone School District South schools in the Fundy Network Region.
Pat volunteers as the treasurer of the Roots of Empathy committee for the Kennebecasis Valley, Hampton and Sussex area. She is a dependable, responsible person who offers her time freely. We are grateful for volunteers like Pat who without their help it would be difficult to have these successful programs. Thanks Pat for all you do! |
