Recognition of members and organizations

L’Orignal, December 16, 2020 – As part of the last Council meeting of 2020, Pierre Leroux, outgoing Warden of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR), took the opportunity this evening to recognize several important members and organizations within the Prescott and Russell community.

As a first order of business, Mr. Leroux presented cheques totaling $6,000 to two organizations in the Township of Russell, including the Club optimiste d’Embrun and the Russell Kin Club. These funds were raised this year through donations towards the annual charitable events that had to be cancelled in 2020.

This year, also due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Leroux was unable to host the annual UCPR Warden’s Banquet, an event at which he would have presented the Warden’s Award and the JP St. Pierre Award.

The JP St. Pierre Award, a high municipal distinction that aims to celebrate the exceptional contributions of an individual within the UCPR, was awarded this year to all the front-line and health care workers across the community of Prescott and Russell, for their invaluable and essential support and dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This has been an exceptional year, with the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on our health care system, our hospitals, our long-term care homes, and our day-to-day services such as education, child care, and even our food supply,” stated Warden Leroux. “It is thanks to all these essential workers that we have been able to limit the impacts and the spread of this pandemic, and that we will one day get through it, together.”

As is also the year-end tradition, the Warden’s Award is presented during the Banquet to recognize the dedicated work, outstanding contribution and professionalism of a municipal employee toward the community and their colleagues. This year, Warden Leroux chose to present two awards, the first being to Marc-André Drouin, Manager of Information Technology – Systems and Services. A much-appreciated colleague and an outstanding manager at the UCPR, Mr. Drouin has contributed to the implementation of several essential projects in collaboration with all of the Counties’ departments.

“Marc-André is a source of inspiration and a true leader within the management team, sincerely dedicated in everything he does. He is proof that the success of a team is often ensured by those behind the scenes,” explained Warden Leroux. “Without the progress he has made over the past few years, the UCPR would not have been as well positioned and equipped to deal with the exceptional circumstances imposed on us in 2020.”

The second Warden’s Award for 2020 was bestowed upon the many front-line staff and the senior management of the Prescott and Russell Residence. Now, more than ever, we realize the importance of these front-line staff, which include personal support workers, nurses, and doctors, in addition to maintenance, recreation, kitchen, laundry, and building management.

“Despite the recent outbreak that tragically affected our facility, we know that the men and women behind the gowns and the masks have worked – and continue to work – tirelessly, to support and care for our most vulnerable residents,” concluded Mr. Leroux. “Thank you for being there for our residents – not only during this time of need, but every day.”
Posted on 12/16/2020
Cheque Presentation to the the Club optimiste d’Embrun.