City of Fredericton Honours Volunteers During National Volunteer Week

FREDERICTON (April 29, 2025) — As part of National Volunteer Week celebrations, the City of Fredericton has recognized four outstanding individuals and one community service organization with Community Recognition Awards for their exceptional contributions and commitment to supporting others.

These recipients were honoured for leading impactful initiatives — from supporting women in transition, preserving cultural traditions, and promoting youth engagement, to enhancing the lives of Francophone seniors and celebrating multiculturalism. The awards were presented during a ceremony at City Hall, attended by Mayor Kate Rogers and members of City Council.

The Community Recognition Awards are designed to spotlight those who work behind the scenes in sports, clubs, services, or local organizations — ensuring others have the opportunity to thrive.

For more details, visit: www.fredericton.ca/awards

Meet the 2025 Award Recipients

Jeff Melanson, a volunteer board member at Women in Transition House, goes far beyond his role in overseeing IT and building maintenance. As the operator of All World Moving and Storage, Jeff personally collects, stores, and delivers donated furniture to women transitioning out of the shelter — all at his own expense. He and his team help set up new homes, providing not just furniture but a sense of stability and hope, making him a community leader in both action and spirit.

Devin Patterson, Chair of the New Brunswick Highland Games Festival, has elevated Fredericton’s second-largest music event into a must-attend summer celebration. His leadership has brought visitors from across the province and beyond, blending traditional heritage with high-calibre musical performances. Devin is also deeply engaged with the local ultimate frisbee community and is playing a key role in organizing entertainment for the upcoming 2025 World Seniors and Mixed Doubles Curling Championships.

Buddie Munn, a retired paramedic and Lifetime Member of the Nashwaaksis Kinsmen, is the driving force behind Fredericton’s annual Santa Claus Parade.

His leadership extends into organizing food drives, gala dinners, and other fundraisers that bring people together and benefit local causes.

Buddie is also passionate about empowering youth, providing the resources and mentorship needed to promote a strong sense of responsibility and community involvement.

The Association of Indo-Canadians Fredericton (AIC) was also recognized for over 50 years of cultural, educational, and social contributions. Through flagship events such as Diwali Mela and Independence Day celebrations, AIC has promoted vibrant Indo-Canadian heritage while fostering inclusivity and intercultural understanding. The organization’s tireless volunteers embody what it means to build community with pride and purpose.

Monique Drapeau-Miles, leader of AACAME (Association des aînés de la capitale pour le mieux-être et l’apprentissage), champions initiatives that enrich the lives of Francophone seniors. Her program “Homes Without Walls” promotes aging in place, offering seniors the opportunity to live independently with dignity. In addition to this, Monique lends her time to the City’s Age-Friendly Advisory Committee, the Police Senior Advisory Committee, and as a volunteer at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery. She also served as Commissioner of the Dre Marguerite-Michaud Library, reinforcing her long-standing commitment to the wellbeing of older adults in Fredericton’s Francophone community.

These recipients exemplify the spirit of National Volunteer Week, reminding us that the strength of a community lies in those who choose to serve others — humbly, tirelessly, and with compassion.