Pierre Éthier named Citizen of the Year! 

 

Hélène-Marie Halloran

The Aylmer Civitan Club named Knights of Columbus member Pierre Éthier its “Citizen of the Year” at their annual Steak-Out dinner on Saturday, March 28th. Mr Éthier is the 37th recipient of this title, given annually since the Civitan Club was founded in 1975. Recognized for his work as chancellor with the Knights of Columbus, he has organized over one hundred “Souper de doré” dinners since 2003 that have been attended by over 16000 people. He was also commended for his devotion to the maintenance of the Knights of Columbus facilites, for generously spending his time bringing comfort to sick and hospitalized members and for offering help to families in need. Éthier was given a plaque as well as accolades from fellow members of the community and past recipients of the award. "I was not prepared to be here tonight and this comes as a big surprise. It is greatly appreciated and I am very proud of the group of people I have had the chance to work with for all these years," Éthier said in his speech.  

 

Prior to the announcement, guests were treated to a hearty meal of steak or chicken along with a garden salad, baked 

potatoes and cake for dessert. Also present that evening were MP Nycole Turmel, MNA André Fortin and Councillor Richard Bégin. "I want to salute the 36 people who before today have been named Aylmer's Citizen of the Year. I think it says a lot about our community that there are 37 people that deserve this award," said Mr. Fortin.  Ms Turmel and Mr. Bégin also addressed the room and expressed their admiration for the citizens of Aylmer for their undying community spirit and generosity in times of crisis. People in the room included members of many of the organizations with which Civitan has collaborated, including the Club Optimiste, the Legion, the Lions Club and the Knights of Columbus.