Hosannas for deserving volunteers

For its 30th edition, the city has rebaptized its signature event the Hosia award, to honour volunteer community service. Formerly known as Hommage aux bénévoles, the gala event was updated to give it more pizzazz and to better reflect the glamour enfolding the highly regarded event.

“We wanted to give the event the prestige that it deserves, with a name that reflects the importance of the community acknowledgement that the Hosia prizes represent,” said Laval communication officer Judith Farrell. “We want to emphasize the gala nature of the event and encourage even more [people to submit] nominations.”

Laval created Hommage aux bénévoles as a way for the community and the city to officially recognize and thank outstanding volunteers who, by devoting their time and energy, have helped to make Laval a better place to live in.

Anyone can nominate a deserving individual. A jury analyzes every nomination submitted and awards 30 prizes from among eight categories.

Four criteria are taken into account when judging a candidate’s nomination: the impact, determination, diversity and innovation of the volunteer’s actions.

To propose a candidate and provide them with an opportunity to have their devotion and generosity recognized and celebrated by Laval officials as well as their peers and community-at-large, simply complete and submit an nomination form and return it by mail before March 1. The form must be submitted by the community organization for which the candidate volunteered. 

The French-only form is available by clicking on the “Prix Hosia” tab on the city’s website: www.evenements.laval.ca

“Although we don’t translate every document,” explained Farrell, “we do encourage the English community to participate by submitting applications to honor outstanding volunteers. Last year, one of the prizes was awarded to a member of Laval’s English community, Margaret Vincent, to salute her 25 years of volunteer service.”

To help volunteer organizations fill in the application form and ensure that all the necessary information is provided, they’re paired-up with a city staff member who can offer support and guidance.

The winners who are selected will receive their award during the Hosia banquet at 7:30 p.m., May 13, in Salle André Mathieu at Montmorency College. Hosted by Guy Mongrain, the event will be co-chaired by Mayor Marc Demers and Caisse populaire St. Martin de Laval president Jacques Thibault.