Throughout the pandemic, we’ve been surprising deserving volunteers with Community Builder Awards by inviting them to Zoom calls disguised as team meetings, project check-ins, or any reason their nominator thinks would get them to join a mysterious video call.
We’ve witnessed countless shocked expressions, shared many tears, and heard a symphony of virtual applause and cheers from family, friends, and fellow recipients.
On July 28, in collaboration with Apt613, we embarked on our first in-person Community Builder Award presentation in over two years, and we couldn’t have been more excited!
On a sunny summer morning, we showed up at the NeighbourLink Fountain in Arnprior, a local non-profit organization, to present 92-year-old Gordon Bethune with a Community Builder Award.
Jade Nauman, Regional Director for Renfrew County at United Way East Ontario, presented the award while Gordon was surrounded by fellow volunteers and friends.
From left to right: Allan Neumann (nominator), Gordon Bethune (recipient), and Jade Nauman (Regional Director, Renfrew County, United Way East Ontario)
For more than 15 years, Gordon has been building a legacy as a strong influence in his community through his volunteer work and dedication to helping others. In 2003, Gordon co-founded the NeighbourLink Fountain with a mission to help the community in Arnprior and surrounding areas meet residents’ needs. NeighbourLink Fountain expanded in 2009 to provide a community centre with services such as a thrift shop, an activity room, a community kitchen, and more.
Meet our newest Community Builder:
Gordon Bethune
Gordon encourages and supports many programs and activities throughout the facility. In NeighbourLink’s early days, he was instrumental in enlisting many like-minded volunteers to join the organization.
Recently, Gordon has been involved with a program to deliver meals to seniors and homebound people in the community. He can often be found in the NeighbourLink Fountain thrift shop repairing items or having conversations with visitors. Many guests gravitate towards him for a friendly chat or some quiet wisdom.
Gordon is described as a kind and quiet man of strong faith and principles, with an ability to draw conversation from those of all walks of life. He is exceptionally knowledgeable and has dedicated his life to sharing this wisdom with his community. Over the years, he has helped thousands of people directly and through the NeighbourLink Fountain.
From left to right: Gordon Bethune (recipient) and Jade Nauman (Regional Director, Renfrew County, United Way East Ontario).
Community Builders are people who have worked tirelessly to make our communities safer, healthier, and more resilient during a time when circumstances are still challenging and strained for many of us. Award recipients have demonstrated a substantial ability to mobilize their communities, going above and beyond their regular volunteerism. They also represent the kind of quiet determination and heroism that inspires others to act—leading by example.
We thank everyone who takes the time to nominate everyday heroes, and we thank you, community builders, for your exceptional contributions.
Do you know a volunteer who went above and beyond to support their community? Our Community Builder Awards program accepts nominations year-round! Nominate a community builder today.
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