Outstanding Contributor Award

Chandos Lake Outstanding Contributor Award

The Chandos Lake Outstanding Contributor Award was introduced in 2023 to recognize volunteers who have distinguished themselves through long-term leadership in support of the CLPOA’s top priorities.

Volunteers are at the heart of our community. Their time and dedication strengthen our association, protect the health of the lake, and enrich the experience of everyone who enjoys Chandos. Each year’s award recipient receives an engraved hand made maple paddle, is featured in the CLPOA Yearbook, honoured at the Volunteer Appreciation Social, and receives a complimentary CLPOA membership for life.

Norma Nelson

Congratulations to Norma Nelson, our 2026 Outstanding Contributor, honoured at the Volunteer Appreciation Social with a beautifully engraved Canadian handmade Red Tail maple paddle!

Since 2018, Norma has been the volunteer creative force behind the Chandos Lake Yearbook’s look and feel, designing eight beautiful editions that capture what makes the Chandos Lake community so special.   Every January through April, the yearbook basically becomes her full-time job, as she sees each edition through design, printing, and distribution.

Thank you, Norma, for years of dedication to a project that means so much to all of us on Chandos Lake!

Past Recipients

Sadly, this past year we lost 2 of our prominent and valued Chandos Lake friends: Jim O’Shea and King Baker.  We are grateful for everything these two gentlemen did  for this community over the years.  Both men are past recipients of the CLPOA Outstanding Contributor Award,  in recognition of their significant contributions to the Lake. You can read about their accomplishments below. They will be missed.  

2025

Edith Gorman

Since 2018, Edith has served as Editor and Coordinator of the Chandos Lake Yearbook, transforming it into the vibrant publication our community looks forward to each summer — even keeping us connected through the pandemic. We’re proud to honour her years of dedication to the CLPOA with the 2025 Outstanding Contributor Award.

Jim O’Shea

Congratulations to Jim O’Shea, the second annual recipient of the CLPOA Outstanding Contributor Award, honoured with the engraved maple paddle at the Volunteer Appreciation Social.

Jim’s contributions to Chandos Lake run deep: fourteen years as CLPOA President, dedicated work on the yearbook, and tireless championing of environmental initiatives to protect the health of our waters and shorelines. His long-standing and varied volunteer efforts made him a unanimous choice for this award.

Thank you, Jim, for your many years of support and leadership on Chandos Lake!

2023 – Inaugural Recipients

King Baker

King pioneered environmental awareness at Chandos Lake in the early 1990’s. He joined the board as Lake Steward and has been a passionate educator, initiator & supporter of numerous environmental programs for more than 30 years.

Kathy Robichaud

Kathy played a pivotal role in organizing new and recurring Chandos Lake social events, ensuring support from volunteers of all age groups. She was a highly regarded Board member; her contributions have been instrumental in nurturing a robust sense of community for over two decades.