Dwane (Class of '75) and Debbie Mellish (Class of '76) can’t help volunteering. It makes their lives even more complete.
And while the duo never expected to be recognized for their community efforts, that’s exactly what happened. They are recipients of the 36th annual provincial volunteer awards. More than 70 volunteers from communities across Nova Scotia will be recognized for their volunteerism efforts Monday in Halifax, including the Mellishes (representing the Village of Bible Hill), Truro’s Terry Hunt and Colchester County’s Norris Whiston. The Mellishes will be out of the country on vacation, so family members will accept the awards on their behalf.
“We don’t do this for awards, but I do feel very honoured and it’s nice to be recognized together,” said Dwane, who has volunteered in many capacities in Bible Hill over the years, most notably as the community’s fire chief for the past three years.
“Volunteering makes you a better person and employee because you are interacting with people and developing skills in many areas.”
Debbie volunteers in many organizations, including with the village’s fire brigade’s ladies auxiliary and local and provincial roles with Girl Guides of Canada.
“It is an honour to be recognized and I’m quite surprised,” said Debbie. “Volunteering makes you a more well-rounded person. If you live in a community you have to be involved in the community and we like to be busy.”
Debbie said it’s also about practising what they believe in.
“If you want to be a role model you have to live out your expectations.”
The fire brigade’s first deputy chief, Scott MacDonald, said the Mellishes are perfect candidates for the award.
“Dwane wants to promote the community and wants the fire brigade to be the best it can be,” said MacDonald. “And Debbie, if you need something done, you don’t have to ask twice.”
The village’s chairwoman, Sharon McLean, said the couple is “well respected” in the community and are “hard workers who go the extra mile.”
“There are no two people more deserving of the award ... they have the best interest of the village at heart,” added Tom Burke, the village’s deputy chairman.
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