In a neighbourhood where community life often depends on people quietly giving their time behind the scenes, volunteers from Parc-Extension were among those honoured this month during a borough-wide recognition evening celebrating citizen involvement across Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension.
The event, held on April 17, brought together more than 400 volunteers at Le Madison, where community members from across the borough gathered for what has become an annual tradition: a festive evening recognizing the individuals whose unpaid work supports local organizations, cultural initiatives, and neighbourhood life.
For Parc-Extension, the spotlight this year fell on Mary McCutcheon, who was named Volunteer of the Year for the Parc-Extension district. McCutcheon was honoured for her work with the Société d’histoire de Parc-Extension, an organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the neighbourhood’s heritage.
A Neighbourhood Built on Participation
While the recognition evening celebrated volunteers from across the borough, the honour awarded to a Parc-Extension volunteer reflects the deep tradition of grassroots engagement in the neighbourhood. From local cultural organizations to historical initiatives, many projects in Parc-Extension rely on residents willing to give time and energy to strengthen the community.
The annual awards program, now in its 14th year, recognizes volunteers nominated by non-profit organizations operating across the borough of Villeray–Saint‑Michel–Parc‑Extension. This year, 32 nominations were submitted, demonstrating the continued strength of volunteer involvement across the district.
Five major awards were presented during the ceremony. Four recognized Volunteers of the Year, one for each electoral district within the borough, while a fifth award honoured a youth volunteer between the ages of 13 and 17. Recipients received trophies marking their contributions and dedication.
In addition to McCutcheon’s recognition for Parc-Extension, other award winners included volunteers serving organizations in Villeray, François-Perrault, and Saint-Michel districts, as well as a youth honouree working with a community centre.
Preserving Parc-Extension’s Story
For residents of Parc-Extension, recognition of work tied to the neighbourhood’s history carries special significance. The Société d’histoire de Parc-Extension has played an important role in documenting the evolution of the area, gathering archives, photographs, and stories that reflect decades of change.
Volunteers in historical societies often work quietly, cataloguing records, organizing exhibits, and helping residents connect with the past. In neighbourhoods like Parc-Extension, where waves of newcomers have shaped local identity over generations, preserving memory is often seen as a way of strengthening belonging.
By honouring McCutcheon’s work with the historical society, the borough highlighted not only individual service, but also the broader role of heritage organizations in maintaining community continuity.
More Than Awards, A Community Gathering
The evening itself was designed as a celebration rather than a formal ceremony. Guests shared a meal and took part in a dance following the presentation of awards, creating an atmosphere that emphasized gratitude and collective recognition.
Beyond the main award winners, organizers also presented honour certificates to finalists and recognized eight long-serving volunteers — individuals who have devoted between 25 and 40 years to volunteer work in their communities. These recognitions acknowledged sustained contributions that often span generations.
Members of the borough council attended the event, offering thanks to volunteers and emphasizing the essential role community participation plays in maintaining neighbourhood programs and services.
Quiet Work That Shapes Daily Life
In neighbourhoods like Parc-Extension, volunteer contributions often go unnoticed outside local circles. From supporting cultural programming to maintaining archives and assisting community groups, the work carried out by volunteers forms the backbone of many initiatives residents rely on.
Recognition events serve as a reminder that neighbourhood life is sustained not only by public institutions, but by individuals willing to offer time, skills, and care without expectation of compensation.
As the borough continues its annual tradition of volunteer recognition, the presence of Parc-Extension volunteers among the honourees underscores a continuing message: community strength depends on those who step forward, often quietly, to help shape the neighbourhood’s shared future.
