NATIONAL VOLUNTEER AWARDS 2021

2021 Easter Seals National Volunteer Award Recipient

(British Columbia): Bob Ayotte

We are delighted to present a 2021 National Volunteer Award to Bob Ayotte.

As both a volunteer of Easter Seals BC & Yukon (the Society) and as a Lions Club member, Bob Ayotte is one of the most dedicated individuals when it comes to his passion for supporting his community. A true believer of Easter Seals’ cause and goals to improve the lives of persons with disabilities, it is our privilege and good fortune to work with him.

Bob first became aware of the Easter Seal program growing up in Coquitlam, BC, in the 1950’s and 60’s. He became re-acquainted with Easter Seals when he joined the Kelowna Okanagan Mission Lions Club in 1995 and became involved almost immediately with Camp Winfield and the BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities.

Bob’s dedication started with his love for the children who come from all over the southern interior of British Columbia to attend Camp Winfield every year. One can always see Bob attending Summer Camp Open Houses, and witness his leadership and care when interacting with the children and their families.

Bob has been a long-term volunteer and an active member of the Executive Committee for the Camp Winfield Improvement Committee. As the Improvement Fund Treasurer on the committee, he ensures all camp amenities, such as the water slide and giant team swing, continue to be upgraded and maintained safely. He is also hands-on at all the work parties, volunteering his own time and skills to keep the camp grounds and facilities maintained, clean and safe throughout the year, and ready for when it is time for summer camp to start.

Bob’s leadership and care has carried over to his six years as a Board member, from 2014 through 2020, where he never hesitated to contribute and guide Easter Seals with his vast knowledge of our constitution and bylaws, playing a key role in matters related to the Society’s governance. Bob has also had the role of District Governor of the Lions Clubs International District 19D where he encouraged Lions Clubs in his District, and all other Districts, to assist with the funding of the Society, with the outcome that Lions District 19D was usually top donor to the Society. Bob also promoted a greater awareness and history of our Camp Programs and Easter Seals House to Lions Clubs.

Bob’s compassion for the children and families we serve has deep roots through his involvement as both a Lion and a camp volunteer. His leadership and personality encourage other Lions and volunteers to be involved, so much so, that there is now a huge team behind Bob that is dedicated to ensure that children with diverse abilities truly can call Camp Winfield “The Best Place On Earth.”

Bob is a real pleasure to work with and we know he is very deserving of the National Volunteer Award.

It is an honour to be considered for this award.

I first became aware of the Easter Seals program growing up in Coquitlam, BC, in the 50’s and 60’s. I then became re-acquainted with the program when I joined the Kelowna Okanagan Mission Lions Club in 1995 and became involved almost immediately with Camp Winfiled and the BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities.

As I believe in the Society’s mission and the value it provides to the community, I’ve spent quite a bit of time at Camp Winfield supporting the Improvement Committee, either with the semi-annual work parties, or recently, in the last few years as the Improvement Fund Treasurer. During the past six years, I have also dedicated quite some time with being a Director on the Board of the Society, helping guide the society through transition times and engaging with the Community and funding partners, and most recently, establishing and growing the membership of the Society.

I hope my nomination will be an inspiration to Lions in British Columbia to go forth and do more for BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities and Easter Seals.” – Bob Ayotte

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