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Volunteer Recognition
The Lys d’Argent
Every year, Vitalité 55+ presents a Volunteer of the Year Award to recognize an older adult for their involvement and contributions to the Fransaskois community.
We are once again looking for an exceptional volunteer who has made a remarkable contribution over the past 12 months. If you know a volunteer who inspires you through their work, compassion, dedication and/or creativity, we encourage you to submit a nomination.
You can nominate a volunteer by clicking the button below and filling out the nomination form!
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2024-2025 Recipient
For 2026, we are exceptionally recognizing two awards!
In Debden, Cécile and Philibert Demers are being recognized for their longstanding involvement in the community. Philibert played an important role in the development of the Debden Community Centre and the Manoir/Debden Heritage Manor, organizing major fundraising efforts to help bring these projects to life. He continues to volunteer as treasurer for the Manor’s board of directors and the Debden Cultural Committee. Cécile, meanwhile, serves as president of the Debden Cultural Committee and treasurer of the St. Jean-Baptiste Parish. Together, they have also contributed to numerous community activities and organizations over the years.
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In Moose Jaw, Marcel Facette is being recognized for his commitment to the Fransaskois community. As a volunteer with the Association communautaire fransaskoise de Moose Jaw, he has helped newcomers integrate into the community and has built meaningful connections with local youth. Through his generosity and involvement, he helps bring people, generations and cultures together.
Thank you to Cécile, Philibert and Marcel for their remarkable commitment! We are pleased to present them with these Lys d'Argent Awards in recognition of their contributions to their communities.
2024-2025 Recipient
This year's Lys d’Argent was presented during the Soirée des Grands Cœurs de Vitalité 55+, held in October 2025. This year, Jennie Beaudais had the honor of receiving this prestigious award.
For over 40 years, Jennie has embodied dedication and community involvement in Bellevue. Her volunteer work with the Centre Francophone BDS, the Comité du Hameau, the Foyer de Bellevue, and several other organizations perfectly illustrates her passion for her culture, her community, and the well-being of seniors. Even though her efforts often take place behind the scenes, their impact is felt far beyond Bellevue.
Thank you, Jennie, for continuing to inspire us through your selflessness, consistency, and love for the Fransaskois community!
2023-2024 Recipient
This year, the Silver Lily Prize was awarded during the very first 'Soirée des Grands Coeurs' of Vitalité 55+ in September 2024. It was René Pothier, originally from Zenon Park, who had the honor of receiving this prestigious prize.
René Pothier is known for his dedication and commitment to his fellow citizens in Zenon Park. Born in 1948 in Victoriaville, Quebec, he moved to Saskatoon in 1971, then to Zenon Park in 1974. It was in Saskatoon that he began his career as an industrial sewing machine mechanic. He worked in this field for over forty years. After moving to Zenon Park in the 70s, he welcomed his daughter Josée, before returning to Quebec in 1981, where he resided for over twenty years. A year after this move to Quebec, he welcomed his son Yanick. In 2006, he returned to Zenon Park and that is where you will find him today.
Throughout his career, René has always been involved in his community, offering his time and skills to serve others. His selflessness and generosity make him a person you can always count on. Whether helping his neighbours or participating in various local initiatives, his desire to help others and strengthen community ties illustrates his deep commitment to Zenon Park. René truly embodies the spirit of camaraderie and solidarity that characterizes his community.
2022-2023 Recipient
This year, the recipient of the Lys d’argent award is Mrs. Marie-Jeanne Will from Saskatoon! The award will be presented to her during the Rendez-vous fransaskois next November in Regina.
Originally from Zenon Park, Marie-Jeanne taught in Saskatoon in the city's first French immersion school, École St Paul, then she taught in Regina and Moose Jaw. Marie-Jeanne has been involved in welcoming refugees since the early 1970s and continues today with the Sts-Martyrs-Canadiens parish in Saskatoon. Marie-Jeanne was also involved as a volunteer with the educational center of the Saskatoon Food Bank, with the Saskatoon Open Door Society, and with the Fédération des Francophones de Saskatoon to set up matches between newcomer families and local families., with the parish of Saskatoon to host 'Petite Pasto' for young families from the church and to organize retreats for teenagers from Fransaskois schools and also to provide spiritual support to seniors who have lost their mobility and to sick people.
2021-2022 Recipient
For the year 2021-2022, we recognized the long-standing involvement of someone from North Battleford. Mr. Claude Desnoyers is the President of the Battleford's Francophone Centre and has been involved with this group for more than 18 years, he is also President of the Board of Directors of Villa Pascal, President of the Board of Manoir Marchildon, President of the Société St André, member of the Knights of Columbus for 30 years, and an active member of a local food security association. Thank you Claude for your remarkable commitment! We are pleased to offer you this Lys d'Argent prize for the year of 2022. Lys d'Argent award was officially presented to Mr. Claude Desnoyers during the Rendez-Vous Fransaskois in early November 2022.
Claude Desnoyers with the Vice President and Director of Vitalité 55+
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Awards given
2020-2021 Recipient
For the year 2020-2021, Clément and Sylvia Dion were recognized for all of their volunteer work! To see the presentation of the Lys d'Argent to Clément and Sylvia, click on the video below.
2020-2021 Recipient
For the year 2019-2020, Dollard Grenier was recognized for all of his volunteer work! To see the presentation of the silver Lys prize, click on the video below.