Corner Brook -
Bill Madore knows a thing or two about being a volunteer.
In his role as this year's winter carnival patron, he is hoping to bring a little recognition to the volunteers who put together this 10-day event in the best way he knows how.
"I am hoping I can convince the general public, in total, to get out and take an active part in the 10 days of fun and enjoyment so that all the volunteers, who gave so much of their time and effort to make it successful, will realize they are at least appreciated," Madore said.
Madore, a former chair of the Corner Brook Winter Carnival committee, was chosen as the first publicly nominated patron of the long-standing celebration. This year, the committee put the selection process to the community.
"The carnival patron represents all of us, so we wanted everyone to have a chance to nominate someone they felt truly represented the spirit of Carnival," Denise Allain, carnival chair, said. This year's recipient certainly does that.
Madore has been actively involved in a number of volunteer organizations over the years and, among other roles, has served as chairperson of the Corner Brook Ski Club for four years and volunteered in both the 1999 Canadian Winter Games and 2008 Provincial Summer Games. He became involved with winter carnival in the early 1970s and chaired the carnival society as well as the carnival committee.
"With so many people in the area who are certainly more qualified, perhaps more capable, than I am, I was extremely proud to say yes to them when they invited me," Madore said.
The Corner Brook Winter Carnival will run from Feb. 19-28.
