Alex Poplar learned very early on in life that it’s good to give to others.
An avid badminton player, as well as a member of the River Hebert School’s boys’ soccer team, Poplar loves going to the community centre to hit the birdie around the court. A couple of years ago, when he found it difficult to access the facility, he decided that getting involved was a better alternative to complaining.
Since then, he’s become one of the most ardent supporters of the River Hebert – Joggins Community Centre that’s located in the former curling club in the heart of the village.
“I really enjoy people. The people I work with and the people who come to the centre,” said the 17-year-old River Hebert native. “I really enjoyed playing badminton, but it was never opened when I wanted to play, so I started volunteering there so I could open it up and make it available.”
Poplar was recognized last spring as the Municipality of Cumberland’s youth volunteer of the year and he was celebrated by the province as its Youth Volunteer of the Year at the provincial dinner in Truro in late September.
“I was pretty good. It was very humbling when you think about all the things the recipients have accomplished in their communities across the province,” said the Grade 12 student, who plans to study science in university next year with the hope of eventually becoming a teacher. “It was an honour to be in the same room as them.”
I really enjoy people. The people I work with and the people who come to the centre. I really enjoyed playing badminton, but it was never opened when I wanted to play, so I started volunteering there so I could open it up and make it available.” - Alex Poplar
Poplar started volunteering in the community at age 7. He is committed to supporting the youth of the community and enhancing a community that over the year has taken more than its share of hard knocks.
Municipality of Cumberland Mayor Murray Scott applauded Poplar as an example of young people making a difference in their communities.
“We’re very proud of what Alex has accomplished within the community,” the mayor said. “He is young man who has involved himself in many programs in his community and he’s very deserving of this recognition by the province.”
His passion for creating a supportive environment for young people is obvious in one of his projects at the centre. Each Friday evening, he hosts a youth drop-in at the community centre that sees participants enjoy a hot meal thanks to donations from businesses, individuals and organizations.
He is on the executive of the community centre and is secretary of the community’s development association, helping to coordinate local development initiatives.
“We’re very proud of what Alex has accomplished within the community. He is young man who has involved himself in many programs in his community and he’s very deserving of this recognition by the province.” - Mayor Murray Scott
“It’s hard to explain why I do it,” he said. “I started doing it and didn’t see any reason not to continue.”
Poplar also manages the school’s junior soccer program, organizes badminton tournaments and plays keeper for the high school boys’ soccer team.
He is also active with the food pantry and breakfast program at the community centre and has demonstrated exceptional skill writing grant applications – one of which secured an $18,000 grant for the food pantry.
Poplar also volunteers at the community centre’s front desk.
He was volunteering at the community centre when he got the call he was being recognized by the province.
“I was packing boxes for the food drive when I got the call, I was very surprised and very happy,” he said. “It wasn’t something I expected.”
Also recognized by the province at the dinner was Kyla Cardinal of Springhill for her work with the Springhill Fire Department.
Over the last two years she has organized food drives, raising both money and food donation. She’s been active in the Springhill Fire Department, contributing to the safety and well-being of her neighbours.
Sparky’s Food Drive, a project she initiated with the support of the fire department, raised more than $32,000 in cash and food donations. She continues to lead this initiative for the food bank and school programs receive vital resources they need.
Lt. Gov. Arthur J. LeBlanc presents the Nova Scotia Youth Volunteer of the Year award to River Hebert’s Alex Popular on Sept. 18 at the provincial volunteer awards dinner in Truro. Contributed
Kyla Cardinal of Springhill was recognized by the province for her volunteer work with the Springhill Fire Department. She is shown accepting her award from Lt. Gov. Arthur J. LeBlanc (left) and Truro area MLA Dave Ritcey. Contributed