Early last year, 150 people were contacted by the province and informed they had been nominated and selected as the Honour 150 recipients of recognition for their volunteerism. COVID struck, and the official day of the announcement was delayed until May and then delayed again until just last week.

Yvette Cuthbert of Portage la Prairie was contacted and notes she hadn't heard of the call for nominations and was told her name had been submitted.

Cuthbert says she learned of one person who nominated her who told her that others submitted nominations for her as well.

"I love making a difference in the community, but the best part is it's nice to be appreciated once in a while, so that's great," says Cuthbert. "What I think spurred it was the Culture Days events that I was doing in September. I did three or so in a row, and it grew considerably, so it was quite disappointing when we didn't get funding later on for more. But anyway, I hurt my knees that year and it would have been hard to put on, anyway. But hopefully, someday, that will come back."

She notes her work also included grant writing for the Herman Prior Activity Centre, and adds she's helped raise a good chunk of change for them, and assisted them in various other ways. Cuthbert also initiated a tool library at the centre, where people can borrow tools for a minimal fee when they need them, noting membership's quite inexpensive.

"The idea is that people don't need to own every tool and have it in their own house if they only use it for a few minutes at a time," continues Cuthbert.

She explains she also spearheaded the large mural on the back alley wall of the library and activity centre.

Cuthbert says there are always highlights in volunteerism.

"I was also on the Parent Council at Prince Charles School years and years ago," notes Cuthbert. "When you accomplish something like getting the playground or doing the mural in the back, and having the community help add to it, like adding a raccoon, you find some great reaction. Just the comments and things that you have and putting a smile on people's faces are so worthwhile. I always liked the 'Wonderful Life' movie, and it doesn't take much to make a difference sometimes, and everybody should try to just make a difference because they never know how they affect people."