In this series, The Citizen profiles locals who strive to make our little corner of Manitoba a better place. Each month, we feature a person, family, or organization that helps brighten the world in some way. If you have someone in mind for a future month, please nominate them: jlavin@nivervillecitizen.com.

This month, we shine a light on Joelle Sylvestre of St. Adolphe for her tireless efforts in service of her hometown. Sylvestre grew up in St. Adolphe, then moved to Winnipeg for a few years. After she and her husband had their sons, they decided it was time to return to country living.

“We hadn’t even moved into our house and I was asked to help out on a committee,” Sylvestre says. “I agreed and am still a member at large on that committee!”

Over the last 12 years, Sylvestre has volunteered countless hours for multiple different organizations, including the St. Adolphe Carnival, St. Adolphe Green Space, and the Hawkey Moms team.

Michelle McEwan, Director of the Ritchot Library, says that Sylvestre has also been on the library board for many years and has been a stellar member of the community.

“Sylvestre would do anything to help a friend as well,” McEwan says.

The St. Adolphe Child Care Centre has benefited greatly from Sylvestre’s help too. Lana Redmond, the centre’s director, can’t say enough about Sylvestre and the amazing work she does for the town.

“Joelle sat on the board of directors for our childcare centre for a number of years,” says Redmond. “In 2018–19, Joelle was one of the key players in raising money to expand the centre. And this was no small feat, as it took many hours of donated personal time and a lot of hands-on dedication with organizing and running fundraisers.”

Redmond says that Sylvestre was also a great emotional support person for her and her staff.

“Joelle is always willing to give a helping hand and she always has a big smile to go with it. She is not only generous with her time with supporting and advocating for the community and the people who live in it, but she is kind, caring, and sincere.”

Sylvestre’s friend and neighbour, Trina Raine, concurs.

“Joelle has long been someone you can count on in the community,” says Raine. “She can be counted on to help out wherever help is needed. That old saying, ‘If you want something done, ask a busy person,’ describes Jo perfectly.”

Darren Skelton, president of the St. Adolphe Minor Hockey Association (SAMHA), is also happy to sing Sylvestre’s praises.

“Joelle has been involved with SAMHA as the registrar for five years now,” Skelton says. “She is a dedicated member of the executive and puts countless hours into ensuring that St. Adolphe families can register for our programs with ease.”

Sylvestre was heavily involved in the planning and execution of the U13 A1 hockey provincials, held in St. Adolphe this past month.

“Joelle is always willing to help in any way possible for the betterment of the program and the community,” Skelton adds.

For her part, Sylvestre is convinced that St. Adolphe is simply the best home she could imagine for herself and her family.

“It’s such a great community where everyone works together,” Sylvestre enthuses. “Whether it be to fundraise for a new daycare, fundraise for a new playground at the school, plan a Hockey Manitoba provincials—in less than a month!—we all come together and get it done. We truly live by [the idea that] it takes a community to raise a child.”

Sylvestre was nominated by a past Super Citizen, Kori Plesiuk. Plesiuk wonders if it’s because Sylvestre has called St. Adolphe her home for most of her life that she treats everyone there like family.

“Whether it’s a senior citizen in need, someone who needs a hand with literally anything, or a child at the arena that needs a quarter for a gumball, Joelle is there,” says Plesiuk. “Our community would just not be the same without her and we are so grateful to have her!”

Upon pondering everything Sylvestre has done for the community of St. Adolphe, Skelton says, “I guess the final thought would be that every community would be lucky to have someone like Joelle who volunteers their time and spends hours bettering the community, and asking nothing in return.”