Volunteer of the Year

For immediate release

Alonzo Sonier Named Volunteer of the Year at the 24th Annual NBNPHA Conference

Alonzo Sonier has made great contributions to affordable housing in his community for over 30 years

Moncton, NB (June 6, 2017) – Alonzo Sonier, Past President of Manoir Bellefeuille in Tracadie Sheila, was honoured on May 12th, 2017 at the New Brunswick Non-Profit Housing Association’s 24th Annual Conference at the Delta Beauséjour in Moncton.

Mr Sonier’s volunteer credentials are extensive. He has volunteered with the Manoir Bellefeuille since construction began in 1985 and served on the Board of Directors in a variety of roles including Vice President, and President from 1996-2016. Manoir Bellefeuille provides affordable housing for seniors, low-income individuals, and those living with disabilities.

In addition to his work with Manoir Bellefeuille, Mr Sonier also contributed to the development of les Résidences Communautaire Line Ferguson, a residence offering specialized services to persons living with autism, providing for complete physical needs and ensuring ongoing follow up by licensed medical professionals. The residence also organizes educational and recreational activities, and helps facilitate community integration. Mr Sonier served as President and Administrator. Mr Sonier has also served his community as a municipal Councillor as well as Deputy Mayor in the former town of Sheila. In 2001, he received a volunteer of the year medal for his community service.

The Alex Arseneau Volunteer of the Year Award is given annually to a board member of a non-profit or cooperative housing organization who have made significant contributions to affordable housing or services to their residents. The volunteer must demonstrate support, sensitivity and encouragement for non-profit housing in their community, leadership and initiative in the sector, and time and commitment to volunteer work. The volunteer of the year award is named in honour of the Association’s first Executive Director. The recipient is honoured at the Minister’s Banquet.

“Non-profit and affordable housing is built by volunteers across the province who are passionate and dedicated to serving others,” said Dan Murphy, Executive Director with the NBNPHA. “It was humbling to present Mr Sonier with the Alex Arseneau award, knowing that it recognized over 30 years of innovation, contribution and leadership within the sector and beyond. His accomplishments have served some of the more vulnerable people in his community, and we are incredibly proud to have him as a member of our organization.”

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For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Dan Murphy, Executive Director

New Brunswick Non Profit Housing Association Inc

T: 1-506-451-4772 ext 201

E: dan@nbnpha-alsblnb.ca

About the New Brunswick Non Profit Housing Association

The NBNPHA is an association of over 200 non-profit and co-operative housing organizations, members of the NBNPHA provide affordable housing to more than 6,000 New Brunswick households who otherwise would not have a safe, affordable place to call home. Established in 1993, the NBNPHA’s mission is to support and strengthen New Brunswick’s non-profit and co-operative housing sector so that all residents can have a safe, affordable place to call home.