A second group of volunteers and an ambassador join the list of community grandioses

GRAND FALLS, November 24 2025 –At its regular meeting on November 19, the municipal council added a second group to its volunteer category and an ambassador to its 2025-2026 Community Grandioses.

Au Comptoir Vestimentaire de Saint-André - volunteer

This past June, the non-profit organization Au Comptoir Vestimentaire de Saint-André proudly celebrated 40 years of service to the community.

This essential service provided by the large group of volunteers who dedicate countless hours to offering residents, especially those with fewer means, a place where they can access essential goods with dignity and at an affordable price is truly remarkable.

Thanks to donations from the public, the group works tirelessly to receive, sort, and clean used clothing, shoes, furniture, toys, and various other items, which are then resold at exceptionally low prices. Open six days a week, their establishment remains a true pillar of our community and an indispensable resource for many individuals.

From the founding members to today’s volunteers, their dedication has allowed the Comptoir to thrive over the years, remaining a meaningful touchstone for numerous people and families in the region. Their contribution goes far beyond offering an essential service: the group also supports our schools, community programs, and several local initiatives through annual donations, thereby significantly strengthening their positive impact within the community.

The Municipality is proud to highlight the generosity and compassion demonstrated by the group. Our community is deeply grateful for their invaluable commitment and the legacy of solidarity they have built over the years.

Eric Lavoie - ambassador

For more than 30 years, Mr. Éric Lavoie has distinguished himself through his remarkable commitment to improvisation and his profound influence on youth and the francophone community of New Brunswick. Discovering his passion in high school in 1992, he quickly stood out as a player, earning the title of Most Valuable Player three times at the provincial improvisation championship, La Gogoune dorée.

At the end of his studies at Polyvalente Thomas-Albert, he chose to invest in the future of the institution that shaped him by becoming head coach of the improv team, a role he has carried out voluntarily for more than 25 years. Under his leadership, the team won two provincial championships and was awarded several times the title of “most sportsmanlike team,” an honour that holds particular meaning for Éric as it reflects the values that shape him: respect, attentiveness, and teamwork.

Éric has been recognized many times for his exceptional contribution to improvisation, both as a respected mentor and as a builder of the provincial network. His leadership earned him eight nominations as a coach. In 2012, he was inducted into the New Brunswick Improvisation Hall of Fame. The following year, he was invited to play in the National Improvisation League, where he earned the 2nd Star of the Game. More recently in 2024, he received the PTA’s Prix Thomas Recognition Award, followed by the Community Support Award at the provincial Éphémères Gala in 2025.

Through his warm and caring approach, Éric has deeply impacted generations of students. He has created a safe and supportive space where young people can express themselves, build confidence, and grow both artistically and personally. His journey illustrates the strength of true passion and solidifies his place as a prominent figure in the cultural area of our community and across the province and the nation.

The community is invited to submit nominations by completing the nomination form available on the municipality's website here: https://www.grandsault.com/en/grandioses

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Info and interview requests :

France Le Moignan, Directrice développement économique et marketing

506.240.1773 - communications@grandsault.ca