Media release: April 19, 2024
Advocates for Northern Animals has been named the 2023 CJKL Citizen of the Year. The volunteer organization saves and adopts over 300 animals each year in Kirkland Lake including cats and dogs, plus other small animals and amphibians.
Since its inception in 2012, the organization has grown with the help of dedicated members, volunteers, foster homes and through the tremendous support of the community of Kirkland Lake.
Advocates for Northern Animals provides sterilization and vaccines for the animals. Many of the animals are in poor condition when they enter the program and receive extensive medical care before being put up for adoption.
The organization’s ongoing fundraising efforts including bottle drives, walkathons, auctions, garage sales, bbq’s, donation jars, draws, plus donations of food and money from local families and businesses.
In 2023, Advocates for Northern Animals received an anonymous donation of $100,000 that is being used to provide sterilization at a reduced cost and to provide assistance to less fortunate local pet owners through the newly created pet food bank.
The Board of Directors includes: President Tracy Barbe, VP Olivia Lachapelle and Directors April Swanson, Melinda Selseotes-Robin, Tisha Mitchell, Jordan Ayres, Colette Carter, Ashley Swanson and Ronald Kramp.
Volunteers include Laurie Lambert, Taylor Williams, Kim Fournier, Kaitlin Lafrance, Amanda Lessard, Raine Dupuis, Tasha Roxborough, Mel Altenbeck, Jackie Turcotte, Sarah Norton, Lauren Benoit, Mandy Laurilia, Kourtney Bell and Kelly Desjardins.
Advocates for Northern Animals will be presented the 2024 CJKL Citizen of the Year award during the morning show on CJKL FM on Thursday, April 25th.
CJKL FM's
Citizen of the Year &
Lifetime Achievement Awards
Nominations for the CJKL FM Citizen of the Year & Lifetime Achievement awards are open to the public between January 1-31.
The Selection Process:
A committee of local volunteers from the community selects the annual winner. These awards are intended to recognize volunteer efforts and should not be part of a paid position. Send detailed information on your candidate to the CJKL Citizen of the Year Award:
mail: P.O. Box 430, Kirkland Lake, P2N 3J4
drop off: 5 Kirkland Street weekdays between 8:30a-4:30p
email: here
CJKL Citizen of the Year Award Recipients:
For improving the quality of life for the people of Kirkland Lake
2023: Advocates for Northern Animals
2022: Todd Turner
2020: Frontline Workers
2019: Kirkland Lake 100th Anniversary Committee
2018: Kirkland Lake Gold
2017: Lorraine Kiely
2016: Kirkland Lake Swampdonkeys Basketball
2015: Kirkland Lake Festivals Committee Volunteers
2014: Kirkland Lake Rotary Club
2013: KL Gold Miners Jr A Hockey Club
2012: Ministry of Natural Resources
2011: Splash Park Committee
2010: Pat Gannon & Mary Ranta
2009: Conrad Messier
2008: Angela Chiasson-Fox
2007: Doug LaBerge
2006: Frog's Breath Volunteers
2005: Hockey Heritage North Volunteers
2004: Kirkland Lake Gold
2003: Judy Mortson
2002: Barbara Hobson
2001: Nora Barker
2000: Dave Bolger
1999: Rick Danis
1998: Joe Rosko
1997: Sister Georgina Grubb
1996: Irene Pochopsky
1995: Barrick Gold Corporation
1994: Blue Diamond Anniversary Com.
1993: Albert Dinel
1992: Mary Ann Taylor
1991: Norm Connelly
1990: Winter Carnival Com.
1989: Eugene Ivanov
1988: KLCVI Reunion Committee
CJKL Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients:
For improving the quality of life for the people of Kirkland Lake over many years
Steve Cox
Kirkland Lake Arts Council
Bill Enouy
Alline Morash
Mike Guimond
Kenogami Spring Break Committee
Kabaret Charitable Foundation
Anna Giannakopoulos
Mary Nemcsok
Mike Leahy
Brian Culhane
Chuck Wallsten
Clancy Roswalka
Margaret Daugherty
Brian Hamilton
Carolyn MacKinnon
Ron Loach
Glenn Conrad
James Perry
Glenn Carter
Tom McClelland
Joe Mavrinac
Neil Culhane
Kaarine Evans
Hazel Joy
June Korhonen
Reg Tressider
Bertha Boisvert
The Santa Claus Express Committee