L’Orignal, December 16, 2020 – As part of the last Council meeting of
2020, Pierre Leroux, outgoing Warden of the United Counties of Prescott
and Russell (UCPR), took the opportunity this evening to recognize
several important members and organizations within the Prescott and
Russell community.
As a first order of business, Mr. Leroux presented cheques totaling
$6,000 to two organizations in the Township of Russell, including the
Club optimiste d’Embrun and the Russell Kin Club. These funds were
raised this year through donations towards the annual charitable events
that had to be cancelled in 2020.
This year, also due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Leroux was unable to
host the annual UCPR Warden’s Banquet, an event at which he would have
presented the Warden’s Award and the JP St. Pierre Award.
The JP St. Pierre Award, a high municipal distinction that aims to
celebrate the exceptional contributions of an individual within the
UCPR, was awarded this year to all the front-line and health care
workers across the community of Prescott and Russell, for their
invaluable and essential support and dedication during the COVID-19
pandemic.
“This has been an exceptional year, with the COVID-19 pandemic and the
impact on our health care system, our hospitals, our long-term care
homes, and our day-to-day services such as education, child care, and
even our food supply,” stated Warden Leroux. “It is thanks to all these
essential workers that we have been able to limit the impacts and the
spread of this pandemic, and that we will one day get through it,
together.”
As is also the year-end tradition, the Warden’s Award is presented
during the Banquet to recognize the dedicated work, outstanding
contribution and professionalism of a municipal employee toward the
community and their colleagues. This year, Warden Leroux chose to
present two awards, the first being to Marc-André Drouin, Manager of
Information Technology – Systems and Services. A much-appreciated
colleague and an outstanding manager at the UCPR, Mr. Drouin has
contributed to the implementation of several essential projects in
collaboration with all of the Counties’ departments.
“Marc-André is a source of inspiration and a true leader within the
management team, sincerely dedicated in everything he does. He is proof
that the success of a team is often ensured by those behind the scenes,”
explained Warden Leroux. “Without the progress he has made over the
past few years, the UCPR would not have been as well positioned and
equipped to deal with the exceptional circumstances imposed on us in
2020.”
The second Warden’s Award for 2020 was bestowed upon the many front-line
staff and the senior management of the Prescott and Russell Residence.
Now, more than ever, we realize the importance of these front-line
staff, which include personal support workers, nurses, and doctors, in
addition to maintenance, recreation, kitchen, laundry, and building
management.
“Despite the recent outbreak that tragically affected our facility, we
know that the men and women behind the gowns and the masks have worked –
and continue to work – tirelessly, to support and care for our most
vulnerable residents,” concluded Mr. Leroux. “Thank you for being there
for our residents – not only during this time of need, but every day.”
Posted on 12/16/2020
