GenNext names Sudbury's outstanding volunteers

While playing minor bantam hockey in Sudbury at the age of 14, Andrew Olivier lost his footing and fell through the boards.

The fall dislocated two discs in his neck, causing him to lose most of the use of his limbs.

Since then, he has worked to ensure that disabled people in the community have access to public facilities.

Come April 19, almost 20 years after his accident, he — along with five other locals — will receive the GenNext Volunteer Award for their exceptional contribution to the Greater Sudbury community.

Olivier will receive his award in the Social Justice category, recognizing his advocation for equal opportunities for marginalized groups in the community.

Other winners and their categories include:

-Rachel Elliot – Volunteer of the Year – for her contribution to the community through the Best Buddies program at Laurentian University.

-Buddy Green – Active Living – for his involvement in various youth programs.

-Brandon Leeson – Social Justice – for his services to the homeless, and those at risk of being homeless.

-Samantha Shewring – Leadership – for her contribution to the community through the Girl Guide movement.

-Mélanie Smits – Mentorship – for her contribution through the YWCA program.

Miranda Rocca-Circelli, board member of United Way Sudbury, parent company of the GenNext program, said all six winners are deserving of their awards as they have gone above and beyond to contribute to quality of life in the community.

Olivier said the help he received from ICAN, a non-profit organization that provides him and other physically challenged persons with the services and resources they need to function, is what inspired him to start volunteering.

Olivier, who sits on the board of ICAN, said his goal is to ensure that physically disabled people in the community have access to public facilities.

“I see myself doing this for a very long time,” Olivier said. “I will not quit.”

The GenNext program is geared toward volunteers in their 20s and 30s. Nominees can nominate themselves or be nominated by another.

For more information on the program, visit www.unitedsudburyway.com.