The Cape Breton Regional Municipality is proud to recognize three exceptional recipients of the 2026 CBRM Volunteer Awards, individuals and groups whose dedication, leadership, and community spirit continue to strengthen the fabric of our municipality. Each year, these awards honour those who go above and beyond to support recreation, community development, youth engagement, and the well‑being of residents across CBRM. This year’s honourees embody the very best of volunteerism.
Anne Holland Memorial Award – Aimee Romard
Pictured Left to Right: Councillor Darren O’Quinn, Bill Smith (Anne Holland’s brother), Recipient Aimee Romard, Mayor Cecil Clarke
The 2026 Anne Holland Memorial Award was presented to Aimee Romard, a volunteer whose commitment to the Coal Bowl Classic has shaped one of Canada’s most respected high school sporting events.
As co-chair of the Coal Bowl Executive and Board of Directors, Aimee brings exceptional leadership, organization, and passion to every aspect of the tournament. Her work spans strategic planning, logistics, volunteer coordination, and community engagement, ensuring that each year’s event meets the high standard of excellence expected by athletes, families, schools, and the broader community.
Aimee’s dedication is year‑round. As soon as one tournament ends, she begins preparing for the next, often working behind the scenes without recognition. Her positivity, enthusiasm, and ability to motivate others set the tone for the entire Board of Directors and inspire volunteers to give their best. More than 250 coaches, players, referees, and families travel to New Waterford each year for the Coal Bowl Classic, and Aimee’s leadership helps ensure they leave with an unforgettable experience.
Beyond her own contributions, Aimee actively recruits new volunteers and fosters a strong culture of community involvement. Her efforts have helped the tournament grow in scale, reputation, and impact, reinforcing its importance to New Waterford and to generations of student‑athletes across Cape Breton.
Aimee truly embodies the spirit of the Anne Holland Memorial Award, and CBRM is proud to honour her remarkable contributions.
Gary McDonald Memorial Award – Number Eleven Volunteer Society
Pictured: Award recipient Margaret Jeffries of the Number Eleven Volunteer Society, joined by fellow Society members, Mayor Cecil Clarke, and Councillor Steven MacNeil. Presenting the award are Sharyn McDonald and Alexis Lemarche, wife and daughter of the late Gary McDonald.
The Number Eleven Volunteer Society (NEVS) is the 2026 recipient of the Gary McDonald Memorial Award, recognized for their extraordinary work transforming an underused space in Glace Bay into a vibrant, inclusive, and multi‑use community recreation park.
Led by Margaret Jeffries, NEVS has reimagined a local ballfield into a fully accessible recreation hub featuring outdoor commercial fitness equipment, a walking and jogging path, a basketball court, play areas, community gardens, an outdoor movie space, and open areas for sports and events. Their vision has created a space that promotes health, wellness, connection, and community pride.
What sets NEVS apart is the level of community engagement they inspire. Their programs and events, ranging from exercise classes and yoga to youth activity groups, community bingo, family fun days, and seasonal festivals, draw residents of all ages. Larger celebrations, such as Canada Day and other community festivals, have become signature events that bring people together in meaningful ways.
Their impact extends beyond recreation. NEVS also leads community support initiatives, including food distributions, neighbourhood cleanups, and indoor winter programs for children, youth, and adults. Their holistic approach to community well‑being reflects a deep commitment to improving quality of life in Glace Bay.
Through passion, vision, and strong leadership, the Number Eleven Volunteer Society has created a lasting community asset and strengthened the spirit of volunteerism in their community. CBRM is honoured to recognize their outstanding contributions.
Youth Volunteer Award – Alex Rossos‑Sheppard
Pictured Left to Right: From left to right: Councillor Kim Sheppard, Recipient Alex Rossos-Sheppard, Mayor Cecil Clarke
The 2026 Youth Volunteer Award was presented to Alex Rossos‑Sheppard, a young leader whose passion for community, music, and youth empowerment has made a meaningful impact across CBRM.
A Grade 12 student at Sydney Academy, Alex has been an active volunteer since childhood, beginning with community cleanups and programs at the Whitney Pier Youth Club. Throughout school, Alex continued to give back by mentoring younger students, helping run school events, and supporting peers through tutoring and leadership roles.
Alex’s volunteerism extends into the broader community. Through a school placement, he contributed to the Youth Project, supporting queer and transgender youth and helping create safe, inclusive spaces. As an avid skateboarder, he has volunteered with the Island Skateboard Association, participating in meetings, fundraisers, and park cleanups.
But it is through music that Alex has made his most significant impact. Inspired by the sense of belonging found in the local all‑ages music scene, Alex began organizing shows, supporting local bands, and helping create opportunities for young musicians. Partnering with Undercurrent in Glace Bay, he has helped build a welcoming, youth‑driven music community that fosters creativity, connection, and confidence.
Alex is passionate about breaking down stereotypes and ensuring that all young people, whether involved in skateboarding, music, queer communities, or newcomer groups, feel supported and valued. His belief in kindness, equity, and community care guides everything he does.
Alex’s leadership, compassion, and commitment to creating inclusive spaces make him a deserving recipient of the Youth Volunteer Award.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Aimee Romard, the Number Eleven Volunteer Society, and Alex Rossos‑Sheppard. Their dedication reflects the very best of CBRM, and we are grateful for the lasting impact they continue to make.