Côte Saint-Luc Honours Volunteers at 2025 event
In the City of Côte Saint-Luc we truly value the role of our volunteers. On September 18 we held our annual Volunteer Recognition Evening at CineStarz Deluxe at Quartier Cavendish. Over 300 people filled the cinemas. There was a red carpet and photos taken. Everyone received coupons for a drink, popcorn and snack. We then announced the winner of our awards on the big screen before everyone settled in to watch the motion picture A Big Bold Beautiful Journey. Our volunteers appreciate this format and bravo to the Parks and Recreation Department for their coordination.
Here is more about the winners.
Youth Leadership Award
Sam Karbalaeighadiri
Sam has been a dedicated volunteer with the Library since 2022. Over the past three years, he has contributed more than 150 hours of his time, supporting a wide range of programs and events.
He’s been a regular presence at many of our most popular offerings, from helping young participants at Chess and LEGO Club to showing up for big annual events like the Summer Reading Club party. Sam has also contributed to children’s programs—from storytimes to special celebrations—always bringing a calm, steady presence and a willingness to help wherever he’s needed.
He’s the kind of volunteer who notices what needs to be done and steps in without being asked. Whether he’s helping a younger volunteer find their footing or patiently partnering with a child in a game of chess, Sam supports others in a thoughtful and unassuming way.
He is a strong role model—for both his peers and the children he works with—and his reliability, kindness, and dedication have made a lasting impact on the Library community
Library Outreach Award
Maria Thomas
In recognition of her dedication and commitment since the very beginning of our tax clinic initiative in 2018. From the start, Maria has been behind our initiative to help complete tax returns for residents with modest income, consistently showing up with enthusiasm, compassion, and a willingness to go above and beyond. Her reliability and genuine care for the community have made a lasting impact, and her contributions have been instrumental to our success. Maria truly embodies the spirit of volunteerism, and we are grateful for her continued support.
EMS Excellence
Thomas Larivière
Since joining EMS in February 2024, Thomas has gone above and beyond in every aspect of the service. As a lieutenant and core member of the QA team, he played a key role in revamping the entire quality assurance process and led the transition from paper reports to the electronic patient care report system. He even created the official support document to help everyone get on board. He was instrumental in developing the report feedback system and continues to push forward efforts to gather performance data from calls, aiming to improve outcomes on high-priority interventions. With over 1,600 hours logged as a medic, officer on call, and in admin roles, Thomas demonstrates outstanding leadership, professionalism, and a strong passion for improving EMS. Currently studying to become a paramedic, he remains one of our most driven and dedicated members.
vCOP Excellence
Fred Golt
Fred Golt has been a dedicated member of the team since May 2014. Best known in the community as the owner of Golteez Novelties, Fred has gone above and beyond in his vCOP role— often stepping up without being asked. From leading fundraising initiatives alongside Chairman Glenn Nashen to securing donations from fellow business owners, Fred has been instrumental in supporting our program. He has helped in onboarding and training new recruits and has become a role model through his professionalism and commitment. Fred is also an active contributor to our social media presence, regularly capturing and sharing the achievements of the team. Whether supporting during Emergency Call-Outs or celebrating fellow members, Fred exemplifies what it means to “serve his community”. We are proud to honour him tonight.
Recreation Leadership Award -CSLDS
Ian Henriques & Leila Fernandes
Ian Henriques and Lelia Fernades are nominated for the Recreation Leadership Award. Ian and Lelia are dedicated and valued members of our pickleball community. They are consistently present at the courts, always willing to help players of all levels feel welcomed and supported. Their commitment to fostering a sense of community is truly inspiring. Ian and Lelia generously volunteered their time to assist with the Learn to Pickleball classes at the Aquatic and Community Centre, offering guidance and encouragement without any compensation. Their passion for the sport and willingness to mentor others has made a meaningful impact on new players. In addition, they contribute a thoughtful and constructive insight as part of the Pickleball Committee. Their input has helped shape our programming and improve the experience for all participants. We are so fortunate to have Ian and Lelia are on our team—their leadership, positivity, and generosity embody the spirit of this award.
Recreation Leadership – Aquatics
Carl Tassé
For continuing in his selfless volunteer efforts. His time spent talking with parents, recruiting volunteers, running official’s trainings, and more, cannot begin to be counted. Carl also volunteers as an official at all the competitions hosted at the Côte Saint-Luc Aquatics Centre, as well as at the majority of those hosted at other pools at the provincial level.
Volunteer of the Year
Linnea O’Neil
Linnea has been an invaluable member of the Dramatic Society team since 2023, and this year she truly went above and beyond in her role as a volunteer Assistant Stage Manager. For five months, she dedicated a minimum of 15 hours each week to supporting both our cast and creative team—offering consistent, thoughtful, and reliable assistance. During our three-week show run, Linnea volunteered well over 40 hours per week, always bringing calm focus, attention to detail, and a warm, positive attitude. No matter the task—whether familiar or entirely new—Linnea tackled it with determination and grace. She never hesitated to step outside of her comfort zone, and her willingness to adapt and support wherever needed made her an essential part of our success. Her dedication and spirit deserve full recognition.
Volunteer of the Year
Philippe Loiselle
Outstanding dedication to supporting the swim team by actively searching for new Officials certifications, and by volunteering at every session of each home competition held here at CSL. His dedication to aquatics has been invaluable, providing the entire team with great positive energy and much needed support.
Exemplary New Recruit -Recreation
River Acre Hosein
River joined the Dramatic Society this year as an Assistant Stage Manager and quickly proved to be an exceptional asset to the production team. She brought diligence, dedication, and outstanding organizational skills to every aspect of the work. From February to May, River volunteered between 8 to 15 hours each week, supporting our rehearsals in countless ways—from painting the set to assisting cast members with blocking and choreography. During the four-week run of The Wizard of Oz, she went above and beyond, contributing over 40 volunteer hours each week to ensure everything ran smoothly. River was involved in every facet of the production and consistently went out of her way to support the entire cast and crew. Her reliability, positive attitude, and collaborative spirit made her a true team player. She absolutely deserves recognition for her remarkable contributions.
Exemplary New Recruit – EMS
Steven White
Steven White has gone above and beyond in supporting our pickleball programming with incredible dedication and initiative. Steven played a key role in organizing and running special events at the pickleball courts, including P.O.P. (Pickleball Open Play) sessions, ladder boards, and tournaments. His commitment to enhancing the player experience has brought energy and structure to our growing community. In addition to his work with
events, Steven also took the initiative to lead staff trainings at the Annex, ensuring our team is well-prepared and knowledgeable about the game. His leadership, passion, and reliability have made a lasting impact in a very short time. Steven’s contributions reflect a true spirit of community engagement, and we are lucky to have him on board.
Exemplary New Recruit –
Aquatics
Rachelle Deitcher
Stepped up to assist in running the kitchen for swim team competitions. In doing so, she recruited like-minded parents and spent numerous hours making sure volunteers and officials were well fed and cared for. Her team spirit is an exemplary role model for all those around her.
Lifetime Legacy
Ken Bessner
Ken Bessner, Vice President of the Côte Saint-Luc Men’s Club, has been an essential force behind the success and smooth operation of this dynamic organization. His leadership, insight, and commitment are second to none. Ken has been a vital connector—always informed, always responsive, and always one step ahead. With his finger firmly on the pulse of the more than 40 programs and events the Men’s Club runs each week, Ken ensures that every program coordinator has what they need to succeed—whether that’s access to materials, spaces, or support. His behind-the-scenes and its impact is enormous. Over the past decade, Ken has dedicated himself tirelessly to this organization. Managing a club with over 700 active members is no small feat, yet Ken does it with a calm focus, a sharp sense of organization, and a genuine passion for community. He is truly an indispensable part of what keeps the Côte Saint-Luc Men’s Club thriving. Ken Bessner deserves a heartfelt thank you for his ongoing service and the many ways he helps make this club what it is.
Greener Living Award
Mona Beck
Mona Beck has been the driving force behind the success and vibrancy of the Schwartz Community Garden. Under Mona’s thoughtful and enthusiastic guidance, the garden has not only flourished physically but has also grown into a truly connected and welcoming community. She currently oversees more than 30 garden members, offering support, encouragement, and organization to ensure that everyone feels involved and valued. This past year, Mona took a particularly inspiring initiative by partnering with adaptive needs students from Wagar Adult Centre. Through this partnership, students were welcomed into the garden to contribute their time while gaining meaningful hands-on experience and real-life gardening skills. Thanks to Mona’s vision, compassion, and tireless work, the Schwartz Community Garden is thriving—not just as a green space, but as a community hub rooted in care, learning, and growth.
Rookie of the Year Award
Mamadou Dia Diagne
Mamadou, a master’s student in neuroscience at Université de Montréal, joined EMS in the summer of 2024 and quickly became known for his infectious smile and light-hearted energy. He is curious, thoughtful, and always looking to learn from those around him. He’s deeply interested in the people he works with and brings a unique warmth to every shift. As a responder, he has shown impressive development and adaptability, and he’s also taken on responsibilities with the logistics team. With over 1,000 hours completed in his first year, Mamadou has made a real impact on the team. His spirit, commitment, and fast-paced growth make him a natural choice for Rookie of the Year.
