Pembroke resident receives national award for volunteerism
Romeo Levasseur has dedicated his entire life to his community of Pembroke, and he has now been bestowed with the highest honour a volunteer can be awarded in Canada, the Sovereign’s Medallion.
The accolade is awarded to any living Canadian who has made significant, sustained, and unpaid contributions to their community in Canada.
“When I got it, there was a lot of warm fuzzies,” the 81-year-old said, describing the feeling of receiving the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers. “It was a humbling experience in spite of the fact that you’ve been involved in so many things.”
Levasseur is now retired, but says he still dedicates up to 30 hours a week volunteering in his community. He is currently active with the Pembroke Legion, Pembroke’s planning advisory committee, the Knights of Columbus, and his local church. Levasseur also gave his time to the Kinsmen Club, the Rotary Club, and Pembroke’s fiddle and step dancing planning committee. One of his proudest memories is that of his time at Family and Children’s Services, where he helped start the first Kumon literacy and numeracy program in Ontario.
“He is one of the main cogs, he is,” says Stan Halliday, president of the Pembroke Legion and Levasseur’s lifelong friend. “And there’s no doubt [other members] do lots of work, but he’s always there when we need him.”
“I’ve been a life long learner,” says the award-winning volunteer. “So, if you have the opportunity to learn something new, or about someone,” Levasseur says he usually tries to take it. “Some of [the opportunities] I went after in order to be able to broaden my knowledge. Some of it, of course, I’ve had to unfortunately say no, I’ve got enough on my plate.”
“That’s the type of individual he is, and still doing it today,” says Pembroke Mayor Michael LeMay. The Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers is usually presented by the Governor General, but due to the pandemic, LeMay was given the privilege of presenting the award to his long-time resident.
“In the case of Romeo, it was very well deserved. And I think it was an honour for me to present the medallion to him,” says LeMay. “It is definitely a feel good stamp because we know it is the highest volunteer honour that can be awarded to a Canadian.”
While the medal is a great recognition of Levasseur’s commitment, he doesn’t do it for the awards.
“It’s not greater than the satisfaction of seeing the smile in peoples’ eyes or on their lips when you’ve done something.”
Levasseur turns 82 next month and says he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
“As along as I’m able to think and as long as I can stave off physical impairment, then I will continue.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.