April 28th, 2025

Going the Extra Mile - Celebrating RA Volunteers

The RA Centre would not be the bustling, lively environment it is today without the selfless efforts of our incredible volunteers. Day in, day out, weekdays and weekends – these valued community members share their passions with others and create an enriching experience for those who walk through our doors.

From sports and fitness, to clubs and activities, our volunteers are involved in nearly every operation at the RA. As part of Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 27 - May 3, we’re proud to shine a light on some of our key contributors.

SQUASH CLUB - Nicolas Grenapin

Nicolas Grenapin, RA Squash Club Chair, has many fond memories with the RA Squash Club, both as an active participant and a volunteer since 2017. 

“The Squash Club has a great core group of volunteers.” emphasizes Grenapin. “I tend to get involved in a few events during the year, but there are many others giving time each week to keep things fun for the rest of us, and to welcome new members.”

EUCHRE CLUB - Guylaine Duperré, Daniel Mayville, Christine Pelletier

The RA Euchre Club has been going strong for nearly 23 years, with some volunteers having been involved since its conception. Guylaine Duperré was there on the very first night. She volunteered to help clean and has been volunteering ever since – either as the Euchre Club President or Special Advisor. “The family-like atmosphere has been the main key in my extended role,” reflects Duperré.

Daniel Mayville has been the Euchre Club statistician for five years. Mayville was initially attracted to the RA Centre due to its convenient location. Soon thereafter, he decided to volunteer – influenced by the social nature of the Club and the warm interactions he’s had with the community.

Christine Pelletier joined the Euchre Club more than a dozen years ago as a club assistant. She now works at the registration desk, checking in the evening’s players and ensuring everyone knows how things operate on Euchre Night!

PHOTO CLUB - Jane Spencer

Jane Spencer initially joined the RA Photo Club in the fall of 2019. After experiencing the vibrancy of the Club community, she volunteered to be the Gallery and Exhibition Coordinator.

“It is great to belong to an organization of like-minded people to talk about and share our
photographic experiences,” reflects Spencer. “I am happy that I have something to offer in my post-retirement years. I like the feeling of ‘giving back’, and that sense of belonging to a community organization.”

Spencer strives to make the RA West Lobby both welcoming and visually engaging to all visitors of the centre. Thanks in large part to Spencer, the RA hosts three thematic exhibitions a year, featuring photography taken by club members.

RA CANOE CAMPING CLUB - Amy Dillon, Peter Kazurak

Amy Dillon posted her first trips in her second year of paddling whitewater with the RA Canoe Camping Club. She is now in charge of maintaining assets, arranging repairs to the equipment and much more.

“Volunteering is the heart of the RA Canoe Camping Club, with everyone working together,” comments Dillon. “Volunteers make all Club activities possible, including trips, training, boat and gear maintenance, and everything else. I value these activities, and I’m happy to do what I can to make them happen.”

Peter Kazurak has been involved with the RA Canoe Camping Club since the early 1990s. Although he has assumed many different roles in his time with the Club, he is currently the Canoe Camping Club Chair.

“Throughout, the main satisfaction has been being on the water with other people who share the
values of protecting and enjoying the natural world,” says Peter Kazurak. “Club members watch out for one another on the water, share their skill and knowledge, and we all profit from it.”

PICKLEBALL AMBASSADORS TEAM (Pictured above)

The Pickleball Ambassadors Team is an incredibly hardworking group of 56 community members who strive to create the best Pickleball experience possible. From organizing events to coordinating gatherings, these ambassadors work tirelessly to make their operations run smoothly.

“I’ve played sports all my life, but Pickleball has truly become a passion,” reflects Mike Pulchny, Lead Ambassador. “It’s such a social game. I’ve gotten to meet a lot of truly wonderful people.”

With the sudden explosion in popularity, Mike and his team are busier than ever. “It’s a commitment, but it’s a thing that we really enjoy doing.” emphasizes Pulchny. “We’ve got the time, we love the game, so we give back.”

THANK YOU!

Although our volunteers may come from different backgrounds, share different interests and play very different roles at the RA, they all have one thing in common – a desire to give back to their community. Thank you, once again, to each and every volunteer. Your presence and contributions are deeply appreciated.