It was an emotional moment inside Ma-te-Way Park’s myFM Centre for Suzanne Lachambre.
The Renfrew and Area Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year fought back tears as she was given the award on Thursday night, telling myFM that she was truly shocked to be recognized for her contributions.
Lachambre is an avid volunteer for a number of community groups. She also started the Tender Loving Care Program back in 2008, providing medical equipment and mobility devices to people in need at no cost to them.
Also among the winners that night was Renfrew County Voices, who was selected for an award by Chamber President Carol-Ann Adams for their work in support of local people with developmental disabilities.
Their Charlene Riopelle tells myFM that the moment made all of their effort to that point worth it.
Adams notes that the night went off without a hitch, honoring people and groups making major contributions in our backyard.
The hall was lit up purple on Thursday night in conjunction with National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which Adams says was a good tie-in with their Inclusive Employer of the Year Award won by Chris and Tanya’s No Frills.
2023 RENFREW AND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE COMMUNITY AWARDS WINNERS:
- Outstanding Business Achievement Award: Dahl’s Coin Laundry & Convenience
- Renfrew Downtown BIA Member of the Year: Scott’s Shoe Store
- Chamber Member of the Year: Laurie Wickers-Scheuer
- President’s Award: Renfrew County Voices
- Community Champion of the Year Award: Hospice Renfrew
- Young Person of the Year: Hannah Cameron
- Arts and Cultural Award: Neat Coffee Shop
- Inclusive Employer of the Year: Chris & Tanya’s No Frills
- New Business Award: Renfrew Resale
- Local Hero Award: Marci Joyce
- Citizen of the Year: Suzanne Lachambre
(written by Kasey Egan)
