David Hillier named MOPC Volunteer of the Year

David Hillier was named the Municipality of Pictou County’s 2023 Volunteer of the Year during a special celebration held at the Pictou County Wellness Centre on April 18.

Hillier, a Merigomish resident, has been instrumental in the development of the Merigomish School House and as a leader with the Merigomish Area Recreation and Social Association (MARSA).

Hillier joined in on the effort of transforming the former school into a community centre at its infancy and helped what started as a dream of Pete Redcliff and his wife Debbie become reality.

“He was there in the early days with hammer in hand, laying tiles or doing whatever was needed to help the project come to fruition,” said Marilyn MacDonald, who was also part of the early restoration of the schoolhouse and one of the people who nominated Hillier for the award.

Today, the Merigomish School House has become a hub of activity that includes monthly events for all ages. It regularly hosts concerts, music bingo, trivia nights and a market.

Hillier continues to help coordinate many events held at the facility and continues to take a leadership role in MARSA.

With a background as a recording engineer, he has been able to connect with many musical performers who have delighted the community with their concerts at the schoolhouse. At the same time, he’s the kind of person who is willing to do the mundane jobs – descaling the dishwasher, dumping the dehumidifier, watering plants and shovelling steps.

“I am proud to have Dave represent our community because of his humble and giving nature,” MacDonald said. “He has brought a lot of joy to the community of Merigomish and people come from far and wide to support the musical performances he arranges at the school house.”

Other nominees for this year’s Volunteer of the Year Award were: Monica Beaudin, Pamela Canning, Lisa Hawkes, Cody Joudrie, Barrie MacDonald, NRHS Karma Closet, Mary Tothill, Donald Wadden and Wendy Williams.

Warden Robert Parker praised the efforts of those who give selflessly to make their communities a better place to live.

“Our volunteer celebration is one of the most important events for this council in our year because it recognizes the people who work so hard in all of our communities right around rural Pictou County,” Parker said. “They’re not only the heart of our communities; they are the heart and soul. They are the people who work tirelessly to keep us going.”

As many volunteers are starting to age out, Parker said it’s important for communities to welcome new residents to fill these roles.

“A lot of them have all kinds of talents and abilities,” he said. “We need to make all those people feel welcome in our communities so they too can be some of the new volunteers that we need.”