2026 Volunteer Recognition Award winners

Moses Arzomanian has been a dedicated volunteer member of the Armenia Youth Federation since 2014 and has contributed to many aspects of the organization’s work.  He’s represented the organization in Canada and abroad with a strong commitment to justice, human rights and peace.  Much of this work has been with children and youth, including in developing and leading educational programming, and mentoring children as a camp counsellor and leader.

Katia Balhouane has been a volunteer with many organizations since her childhood. Currently, she is both a volunteer and club leader with United for Literacy, and helps with several biomedical research projects. As co-President of Swab the World Concordia, Katia and her team have recruited more than 63 new stem cell donors (& counting!). A tutor with United for Literacy, she’s helped students of different ages and backgrounds grow their academic skills. She’s known for her deep commitment and willingness to lead, including as president of the Biology Student Association.

Jietong Chen is a dedicated volunteer at the gynecology clinic at the Royal Victoria Hospital/McGill University Health Centre. She’s spent nearly 200 hours over the last year organizing patient care packages, assisting with clinic operations. The medical staff express their gratitude for her dedication and service. She also visits patients at the Lachine Hospital, assisting with recreational activities, and supports medical students’ learning as a standardized patient in training sessions. Previously, she provided academic support during the Covid-19 pandemic at Elite College.

Alyssa Durdey has longstanding volunteer commitments, particularly with AGBU Montreal Scouts. She is currently a leader for 5–7-year-old Bees, and has previously served in other roles, including as a volunteer on a humanitarian trip to Armenia in 2023. Earlier in her journey, she supported children’s activities at the Kirkland Public Library and, alongside her grandmother, elderly hospital residents.  This year, Alyssa has been the Garnet Key Society’s Marketing and Communications Coordinator, organizing fundraising initiatives for Brique-par-Brique. Supervisors praise her sustained involvement and leadership, as well as her work to uplift others.

Alexandre Jacques is co-founder of Project Trident, a multi-day endurance running challenge. He has organized logistics and sponsorship and has run the routes over the last two years. Project Trident has raised more than $40 000 for Fibrose kystique Canada, La Fondation québécoise du cancer, and La Fondation du CHU Sainte-Justine. These organizations’ leaders praise his dedication, solidarity, and collaborative spirit. Alexandre has also taken leadership roles in the Concordia Real Estate Club.

Matthew McGee is a caring volunteer at Sainte-Anne’s Hospital, returning to a place where he worked during the Covid-19 pandemic to care for dementia patients and war veterans in a volunteer role. Supervisors, staff and family members praise his involvement, patience and respect, and the way his support helps ensure positive activities for residents. He is also the Community Project Chairperson for the Garnet Key Society, raising money for the Quebec Cancer Foundation and organizing various fundraising initiatives to support the residents at the Norman Fortier Lodge.

Jon Marvin Reyes’s multi-year involvement with Centre Kapwa has taken numerous forms, including as the founder and leader of the Kapwa Walk, a community-based walking program that explores Montreal neighbourhoods while building connection and supporting mental wellness of Filipino newcomers and immigrants. He also supports the organization’s internal governance, develops joint initiatives with other community organizations, and has contributed to Radyo Kapwa programming. His supervisor describes his volunteer work as thoughtful, proactive and rooted in care for others, creating accessible spaces of belonging for Filipinx, migrant, LGBTQIA+ and racialized community members.

Cesar Velasco Gil is a committed volunteer with Cinema Politica who has taken on a broad range of tasks that support the organization’s film screenings and other projects. With nearly 200 hours of volunteering for more than 2 years, he has also taken on mentorship roles for other volunteers. His commitment to sustainability, community accountability and social justice are clear to those who supervise his work. In addition, Cesars’ work with Festival International du Film Ethnographique du Québec – Montréal (FIFEQ-MTL) has further contributed to meaningful community engagement in conversations sparked by cinema.