Dorothy Gallant 

This year, we are proud to present the Volunteer of the Year Award to someone who truly deserves this honor. The survival of our culture and French language is essential, and it is thanks to people like her, who give of themselves tirelessly, that we can achieve this goal.

The first thing that struck us in her nomination was an excerpt from the submission:

“Every time this person sees my children—whether at the co-op, at church, or at school—she always speaks to them in French. I believe she does the same with all the children she knows in the community. For me, this is a beautiful way of keeping the culture alive for the next generation. It’s not in formal contexts, but rather in the natural moments of everyday life.”

This person has been involved in the Acadian and Francophone community her entire life. Having grown up in a bilingual family, she chose from a young age to proudly embrace her Acadian and Francophone identity. To this day, she shares this pride with her children and grandchildren. She never hesitates to speak French at all times and remains very proud of her Acadian roots. Her sense of humor is contagious, her laughter echoes wherever she goes, and she loves making others laugh just as much as she loves to laugh herself.

Always ready to lend a hand, she has never refused a request for help: selling tickets, driving people, organizing dart tournaments, performing on stage in plays, singing, playing guitar… and even agreeing to come to tonight’s meeting.

This Acadian woman was a member of the V’nez Chez Nous theatre troupe for many years. With her talent as both an actress and a musician, she dedicated countless hours to rehearsals and productions. She was even asked to perform in plays for fundraisers on different occasions—and she always said “yes” with generosity. Thanks to her talent, she is also a member of the French choir at the Tignish church.

Since 2014, she has also been a member of the Club des cœurs joyeux, where she regularly participates in activities. She helps with organizing, often drives others for carpooling, and never hesitates to support members in need. She even went as far as dressing up as the Easter Bunny to entertain the little ones at the rink!

Even tonight, we asked her for a favor: to come help us reach quorum for the meeting. I am sure she had other things to do at home, but true to herself, she accepted without hesitation and with a big heart.

I believe you have already guessed who this is… but if not, here are a few more hints about this exceptional Acadian woman.

She grew up in Palmer Road in a family of 10 children. She has two beautiful daughters and two granddaughters whom she loves with all her heart. She now lives not far from here on the highway. For her career, she was a school bus driver and worked at Shirley’s Café—if you’ve ever eaten at Shirley’s, you were probably welcomed by this lady with a big smile.

So, as you have all surely guessed by now, it is my great pleasure to present the 2024–2025 Volunteer of the Year Award to our dear Dott Gallant.

A big thank you, Dott, for your dedication to the Acadian and Francophone community of West Prince. We appreciate you greatly!