You can’t slow this woman down.
Ever since Lois Lemieux moved to 麻豆社国产in 1990, she has become a familiar face to triathletes and cross-country skiers alike, making a name for herself as a bubbly personality who is always happy to volunteer with any sort of race.
She’s been chosen two years running for The 麻豆社国产’s Reader’s Choice Award for volunteer of the year, an honour that has left the 66-year-old gobsmacked.
“I’ve raced so many races myself, and I’m always grateful for all the people cheering me on, so really I’m just paying back,” Lemieux said.
“I was shocked to get the award, and then to get it twice? It was awesome news.”
Lemieux made the choice to move to 麻豆社国产three decades ago because of her passion for the outdoors.
Living in Vancouver and working at a bank, she found herself drawn every weekend to the wilds up the Sea to Sky. When she realized she could buy a house, she made what she considers the best choice of her life and purchased one, kicking off a geographical love affair that has lasted to this day.
“I’ve been here in 麻豆社国产a long time, and I’ve seen it grow. To be honest, I preferred when it wasn’t so big because the traffic is so crazy right now, but I can still go out and be by myself in the mountains.”
Physical activity is equally important to her, which is why she reserves time every single day for some sort of movement—even a half-hour walk around the neighbourhood, but more often something ambitious like a solo hike or a trail run.
She now competes on dragon boat teams, and has travelled to the Philippines and Malaysia with her teams. She regularly plunges under the surface of Howe Sound, and loves water sports of all kinds.
Besides volunteering for races, Lemieux also lends her efforts to philanthropic endeavours. Recently, she participated in the Coldest Night of the Year, a walking fundraiser for 麻豆社国产Helping Hands, and was buoyed by the showing of community spirit.
“The older generation were there, but now there are so many new faces, and they’re getting into all these sports, so it’s good to see them out there racing, and cheering them on.”
Lemieux retired temporarily from the bank, and since then has held multiple positions with the Sea to Sky Gondola, including lift host. She relishes the social contact she gets from being out and being involved in events such as a triathlon.
“It’s really interesting because when you do a triathlon you just go and do it, but when you volunteer you realize how much work goes into it and how important all the volunteers are,” she said.
“People are always struggling to find good volunteers, but it’s the best way to get into the community, make friends, and cheer on the locals. I just love it.”
National Volunteer Week in Canada in 2025 is from April 27 to May 3. The theme for 2025 is Volunteers Make Waves.
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