United Way East Ontario’s Community Builder Award program recognizes the outstanding volunteers and champions that help make our cities and towns a better place to live for everyone. Together with Apt613 we shine the light on volunteers across Prescott-Russell, Ottawa, Lanark County and Renfrew County.
On the evening of Nov. 2, 2024, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Association of Ottawa celebrated the 45th anniversary of the Independence of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The room was filled with more than 100 people gathered to celebrate this milestone and engage in conversations with friends and community. Attendees enjoyed beautiful singing from musician Yellow, Solitha Shortte talked about not being afraid to connect with community on a local and global level, and a silent auction and raffle supported SVG Ottawa’s Scholarship fund and Hurricane Beryl relief.
As the evening’s program began to wrap up, Sarah Onyango, a volunteer with United Way EO’s Community Builder Award (CBA) recognition team, helped them surprise and present Suzette with a well-deserved Community Builder Award.
The room erupted with celebration and cheer! Everyone rose to their feet as Suzette, or as others call her ‘community mom Suzette’ or ‘Ms. SVG,’ joined Sarah on the stage. Joy filled the room as attendees learned about Suzette’s extensive volunteerism and dedication to her community.
Throughout her career, Suzette has shown incredible commitment to mobilizing and supporting her local and global community. She’s constantly inspiring others to rally behind her, to build stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities for everyone.
Suzette Weekes
Suzette Weekes. Photo provided.
With more than 25 years of volunteerism in our region, Suzette Weekes infuses all her endeavours with creativity, passion, and meticulous attention to detail. She’s invested countless hours and unwavering commitment to many organizations, like the Black Women’s Civic Engagement Network, Jaku Konbit, and the Saint Lucia Ottawa Association—just to name a few.
A pivotal figure in the success of the 2013 Vivante Fundraiser for CHEO, Suzette not only co-founded and chaired the event, but also stepped up to support strategic planning which included web marketing and database creation. She recruited many stakeholders who provided financial support and services to the fundraiser, while also securing numerous sponsors and silent auction items to make it an evening to remember for guests.
In 2021, under Suzette’s leadership, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ottawa Association successfully organized various funding initiatives to support people affected by the eruption of La Soufrière volcano. Navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic, Suzette pivoted from traditional, in-person fundraising to a special online version. Through her passion, adaptive thinking, and technical expertise, Suzette coordinated an online silent auction that garnered financial donations and valuable gift-in-kind items, resulting in an impressive $28,000 raised to support members affected by the eruption.
Suzette’s commitment extends to her involvement with Black History Ottawa, where she has spent many hours. Suzette used her creativity to rebrand their awards, promotional flyers, and evening programs, even receiving free printing thanks to her contacts—a big deal for non-profit organizations. She’s also leveraged her international relationships to help expand Black History Ottawa’s reach within Eastern Caribbean communities.
Whether managing registration tables, adapting fundraising strategies, or mobilizing sponsors and donors for vital community organizations, Suzette remains a proactive volunteer who’s consistently contributing to the betterment of our communities.
Do you know a volunteer who has gone above and beyond to support their community? United Way East Ontario’s Community Builder Awards program accepts nominations year-round! Nominate a Community Builder today!
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Publish date : 2024-11-19 09:17:00
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