Behind every successful community event, youth league or neighbourhood gathering, there is usually a team of volunteers working quietly in the background. Last week in Lorraine, those behind-the-scenes contributors stepped into the spotlight.
On April 25, the Town of Lorraine hosted its annual Volunteer Recognition Evening at the Centre culturel Laurent G. Belley, marking National Volunteer Week with a celebration dedicated to honouring residents who donate their time and energy to community life. The evening drew dozens of volunteers representing local organizations that help shape the town’s cultural, recreational and social activities.
The event served as a reminder that while municipal services often rely on professional staff, much of the vibrancy residents experience day to day depends on volunteer support.
Mayor Jean Comtois addressed the crowd, emphasizing the broader meaning of volunteerism beyond simple acts of service. He noted that volunteering is about building relationships and strengthening the sense of belonging that holds communities together. According to Comtois, volunteers play a central role in keeping Lorraine active and connected, helping bring people together through shared activities and events.
Those sentiments were echoed by municipal councillor Martine Guilbault, who works closely with community organizations. She highlighted how volunteers contribute skills, experience and personal values that allow local groups to offer a wide range of accessible activities to residents of all ages.
For many organizations, volunteers are not just helpful, they are essential. Without them, youth programs, sports leagues and community events would be far more limited in scope, or in some cases impossible to deliver.
Honouring a cornerstone of youth sports
One of the evening’s highlights was a special tribute to the Association de baseball mineur BLRT, an organization that has become a cornerstone of youth sports in the region.
Over the years, the association has built a strong presence in Lorraine and neighbouring communities, supporting hundreds of young athletes each season. Beyond teaching baseball skills, organizers say the program plays an important role in developing teamwork, discipline and confidence among young players.
The recognition acknowledged not only the organization itself, but also the network of volunteers behind its success, including coaches, parents and board members who dedicate countless hours to organizing practices, tournaments and community events.
Their work, municipal officials noted, helps create positive experiences that shape young athletes both on and off the field.
More than recognition, a reflection of community values
Volunteer appreciation evenings have become a longstanding tradition in many municipalities, but in smaller communities like Lorraine, their meaning can feel especially personal.
Residents often recognize one another not just as volunteers, but as neighbours, parents or familiar faces at local events. The relationships built through volunteer work often extend well beyond the organizations themselves, strengthening ties across the broader community.
As communities across the North Shore continue to grow, maintaining that sense of connection can become more challenging. Events like Lorraine’s Volunteer Recognition Evening serve as both celebration and reminder, highlighting the individuals who help sustain local traditions and create welcoming spaces for residents of all ages.
For many in attendance, the evening was less about awards and more about appreciation, an opportunity to pause and recognize that behind every thriving community is a network of people willing to give their time for the benefit of others.
And in Lorraine, that spirit of generosity remains one of the town’s strongest foundations.
