Every year, communities across Canada mark National Volunteer Week by celebrating the incredible people who give their time and talents to make our communities stronger. In 2026, we will celebrate from April 19–25, and we want to recognize the outstanding volunteers who make Cumberland County such a wonderful place to live.
The Municipality of the County of Cumberland is inviting nominations for volunteers who go above and beyond. All nominees will be celebrated at a special event this April, where we will honour their contributions. Some nominees may also be considered for Provincial Volunteer Awards, including one exceptional volunteer who will represent Cumberland as our Provincial Volunteer of the Year. Council may also put forward additional nominees for other provincial categories.
Every nominated volunteer will receive a personal letter of thanks and an invitation to join us at the Cumberland Volunteer Celebration in April to receive a certificate from the Mayor and Council.
Those selected to represent the Municipality at the provincial level will also be invited to the Provincial Volunteer Appreciation Event in Halifax this September.
Nominations for 2026 are now open! Deadline to nominate a volunteer is Friday, February 27, 2026.
Paper copies of the form are available at the Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre, or by clicking here.
Digital nomination form is available here:
For more information, please call 902-763-3000.
Eligibility Criteria
Nominees must meet the following requirements:
- Be unpaid volunteers.
- Be in good standing within their community and demonstrate ethical, respectful behaviour.
- Have made a positive impact in the community through their volunteer efforts.
- Be current or recent volunteers (volunteer service must have taken occurred within the past year).
- For Municipal Awards: People can be nominated as many times as you like, even for the same volunteer work. For Provincial Awards: A person can only be awarded once in each category during their lifetime. They can be awarded in different categories over the years, but only one category per year.
- Employees and former Councillors may be nominated, provided their volunteer activities are not related to their current or former job responsibilities.
- The Municipality reserves the right to review nominations and determine eligibility.
- Final eligibility decisions will be made by the Chief Administrative Officer.
Nominee Categories
Nominees may be residents or non-residents, as long as their volunteer impact occurred within the Municipality of the County of Cumberland.
Child (12 and under)
- Must be 12 and under.
- Must have made a significant contribution to a range of causes for at least two years.
- Must be willing to be nominated and have parental consent.
- Note: Not eligible for Provincial recognition.
Youth (13–24 years)
- Must be aged 13 to 24.
- Must have made a significant contribution to a range of causes for at least two years.
- Must be willing to be nominated.
- Eligible for Provincial recognition if they have not been previously awarded
Representative (Individual) Volunteer of the Year Award
- Have demonstrated volunteer leadership and consistent caring for their community for at least 5 years
- be willing to be nominated
- Have not previously received this award
- Eligible for Provincial recognition if they have not been previously awarded
Family
- Must be residents of Nova Scotia.
- Must be a family (any combination of two or more people connected over time and living in the same community).
- Must have demonstrated volunteer leadership and consistent community involvement for at least five years.
- Must be willing to be nominated.
- Must not have previously received this award.
- Eligible for Provincial recognition if they have not been previously awarded
Nova Scotia Strong
- Recognizes individuals, groups, or organizations who have come together to demonstrate resilience during a time of tragedy or struggle.
- Must exemplify that strength comes from community and the deep caring spirit of Nova Scotians.
- Must be residents of Nova Scotia and willing to be nominated.
- Can be nominated by others or self-nominated.
- Must be willing to be nominated.
- Eligible for Provincial recognition if they have not been previously awarded
Newcomer Volunteer
- Must be individuals or groups currently residing in Nova Scotia.
- Must have been residents of Canada for five years or less.
- Can be nominated by others or self-nominated.
- Must be willing to be nominated.
- Eligible for Provincial recognition if they have not been previously awarded
Tips for a Strong Nomination
- Be specific and detailed to highlight the exceptional efforts of the nominee.
- Use examples or data to show impact (e.g., “organized 12 food drives that served 2,500 families”).
- Avoid general statements like “they’re always helpful” — explain how and why their help matters.
- Highlight what makes the volunteer stand out from others.