Outstanding Volunteer Award Winners

It is through the generosity and selflessness of hundreds of volunteers that NYA is able to offer its programs and make a difference. Without the kindness of volunteers, there is no way that NYA would be able to exist. NYA is grateful to all of our dedicated volunteers for offering up their time and skills to support a program we all believe in. In order to recognize some of NYA’s most dedicated and impactful volunteers, NYA presents the Outstanding Volunteer Award to volunteers who have made a lasting impression on the organization and the youth we serve.

The Outstanding Volunteer Award is presented to volunteers that offer their time and skills to the organization in a variety of ways that often include working directly with NYA Participants. Facilitators, Group Leaders, Mentors, and Host Families are some of the volunteers who have been recognized with this award for the dedication they have shown to Participants, and the positive impact they have made in their lives. The Outstanding Volunteer Award is also presented with an NYA Builder designation to individuals who have been instrumental in the creation, maintenance and growth of the organization. Recipients of this award include individuals who have dedicated years to the improvement of Northern Youth Abroad and who have made a lasting positive impact on the governance, direction and success of the organization.

Thank you to all of
our Volunteers!

Rob Warburton & Sarah McLoed

2017 Outstanding Volunteer Award
Yellowknife, NWT

Rob and Sarah have volunteered in basically every way imaginable for the past 13 years with NYA, always answering every call with a smile and enthusiasm – whether that be to fly with 40 youth overnight, house people who need a place to stay in Yellowknife, sit on committees, facilitate – you name it. Rob and Sarah, who are married with a young daughter and son, met at NYA Orientation in 2005 when Rob was a facilitator and Sarah a summer student.

Richard Arcand

2013 Outstanding Volunteer Award
Arviat, NU

Long-time Mentor offering support and encouragement to multiple NYA Participants, Board Member and Orientation Camp Assistant.

Sheila Levy

2013 Outstanding Volunteer Award
Iqaluit, NU

Program counselor offering mental health services to NYA Participants each summer for over ten years.

The Boudreau Family

2012 Outstanding Volunteer Award
Windsor, ON

Darren and Elsa Boudreau, and their children Tannis and Kyle, are NYA’s longest-serving Host Family, having welcomed youth into their home every summer since 2008.

John Stewart

2013 NYA Builder Award
Yellowknife, NWT

Board Member, Integral in the expansion of NYA into the Northwest Territories

Keith Irving

2013 NYA Builder Award
Iqaluit, NU

Served on the Board of Directors for over a decade as Treasurer and subsequently Chairperson.

Shane Thompson

2012 Outstanding Volunteer Award
Fort Simpson, NWT

Long-time Facilitator, Multi-year International Program Group Leader.

Cara Cormier

2012 Outstanding Volunteer Award
Grise Fiord, NU

Long-time Facilitator, Multi-year International Program Group Leader, Long-serving Mentor offering assistance and support to multiple NYA Participants.

Jim Kreuger

2012 NYA Builder Award
Baker Lake, NU

Long-time Board Member and Chairperson during 2006, Integral in the creation of the International Program.

Mindy Willett

2011 Outstanding Volunteer Award
Yellowknife, NWT

More than ten years of involvement in every facet of the organization; Board Member, Facilitator, Mentor, Curriculum Developer, Integral in the expansion of the organization into the Northwest Territories.