Lorie Marcotte
Cordinator of Community Development Vaudreuil-Soulanges
“As I look back to the beginning of 2020, I think most of us had many hopes and dreams for the new decade that we were entering. Let’s be honest, most of our hopes and dreams are usually for ‘Health and Happiness’ for our families, and ‘Peace of mind’ for our fellow man.
Why should this have changed because of COVID-19? In fact, it has become abundantly clear that these attributes became even more evident in the actions that I witnessed since last March.
Families, friends, and neighbors had shown a generosity of spirit and care towards each other, and I am hopeful that this ‘Awareness of Community’ continues to enrich us all in the coming years?” A valuable quote that circulated on social media in 2020.
“What if 2020 was the year we were waiting for? A year so uncomfortable, so painful, so scary, so raw that it finally forced us to grow. A year that seemed so loud, finally awakening us from our ignorant slumber. A year we finally accepted the need for change. To become change. A year we finally banded together, instead of pushing each other further apart.”
“2020 wasn’t cancelled, but rather, the most important year of them all!”
Clement Bergeron
NPI Coordinator Vaudreuil-Soulanges
Clement Bergeron is a retired municipal government employee and a strong advocate for the benefits of social development. His ‘Reflections’ are remarkably simple.
“The year 2020 has made me realize how happy I am with my family, co-workers, neighbors, and friends.” “My personal doctrine is: Happy wife, happy life!”
Pauline Wiedow
Executive Director
“As I reflect on the past year, I think of how much I value being Canadian. We have been guided day by day beginning last March 13th through a time whereby we learned to manage risk and uncertainty trusting in our government and public health. Once I realized that this was going to be long term, I pulled up my sleeves and changed directions and looked at it as being an adventure, something to tread carefully with but move forward at the same time. It would be a learning experience and for me it was important to stick to my vision not only for MWCN but also for my family. It was a time to stop, think and listen! There are things to be done! There will be many who feel the uncertainty and many seniors who will feel even more isolated. More than ever, we need to be vigilant to the instructions from Public Health and at the same time remain close to our community members and bring assurance to them. All the while making sure that our staff and our space remained safe. I am thankful that my family, friends, and colleagues are taking this seriously and contributing to helping others at the same time.”
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” – Coretta Scott King
