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 business that helps brighten the world in some way. If you have someone in mind for a future month, please nominate them to jlavin@nivervillecitizen.com.
This month’s Super Citizens are Kori and Mike (a.k.a. Chris) Plesiuk of St. Adolphe. Mike and Kori met on the ski slopes in 2004 and were married in 2006 at the tender ages of 20 and 18 respectively. After more than 16 years together and three children, the duo are a strong team and an asset to their community.
“The Plesiuks are always working to help in the community, no matter what it is,” says Montana Quiring, who nominated the pair. “If there’s a need, they roll up their sleeves and step forward to help in any way they can. They are involved in committees, plan events, organize volunteers to help, do boring administrative work when needed, etc. They are friendly, caring, and giving.”
When St. Adolphe residents were trying to win the bid for Hockeyville, Kori and Mike were an integral part of the campaign. Kori was also instrumental in the creation of a much-needed daycare facility in town. Mike is on the community club board while Kori is on the St. Adolphe Bible Fellowship (SABF) board, the community club events committee, and the parent advisory council. The list goes on and on.
Fellow St. Adolphe residents Melissa and Dustin Watson first met the Plesiuks when their children attended Kori’s home daycare. Melissa was extremely grateful to Kori for her loving attentiveness to her children and to Mike for stepping in and helping out whenever needed.
Melissa also cites the Plesiuks devotion’ to the St. Adolphe Bible Fellowship.
“They are always volunteering at any event hosted by the church, and Kori has a beautiful singing voice that she shares during service, which I know so many love and appreciate,” says Melissa. “I couldn’t possibly count the number of occasions where Kori and/or Mike have volunteered for events, fundraisers, and everything in between for our town. They also support their neighbours in any way they can, whether that be rides to/from games, meals, borrowing/finding equipment and so much more.”
Indeed, so many people reached out to speak in admiration about the Plesiuks and their contributions that it would be impossible to accommodate them all in this article.
But the couple certainly have some words about each other.
“Kori doesn’t need someone to tell her there’s an opportunity to do something, or tell her that someone needs help,” says Mike Plesiuk of his wife. “She just seems to always be aware that something needs to be done or someone needs a helping hand and she just makes it happen… And as far as our family goes, she’s top-tier. She seems to always know, before our children even know, when they might need some extra attention or when they may need some time to just sit down and talk. She’s an excellent role model for our kids. If it sounds like I’m gushing a bit, I am. I’m really proud of her. She does a lot for this community, never complains about recognition, and still somehow works at the school, plays on two hockey teams, is on multiple boards in the community, and raises three good children. I love her a lot.”
In return, Kori seems pretty certain that her husband Mike is the most selfless person she knows.
“If it wasn’t for him, I would not be able to do any of the volunteering I do,” she says. “He is for sure my biggest cheerleader. He keeps all of our ducks in a row at home from working ten-hour days to cooking, cleaning, and getting the kids ready for all of their extra activities! He is always giving back to the community, whether it’s coaching soccer, hockey, or baseball, volunteering on the community club board, or helping me with one of the boards I’m on. He is my favourite person in the entire world and I would be lost without him.”
Kori and Mike Plesiuk’s love for their community shines through in everything they do. They are truly Super Citizens.
