Fundraising comes naturally to Suzanne Dube, named Volunteer of the Year at the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce's annual business excellence awards last month.
Dube spent 25 years as a professional fundraiser. When she returned to the Alberni Valley during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Dube served on the board with Sage Haven Society. During that time she wrote a five-year strategic plan for fundraising that helped secure a $100,000 gift to launch a professional fundraising program.
Dube is now chair of the Sage Haven Society board, and is busy exploring the possibility of a social enterprise. When sitting on the chamber of commerce board table, Dube championed the need for a strategic plan.
Dube was one of three people nominated for the chamber's 2024 volunteer award. Larry McGifford, was nominated for the hundreds of hours he devotes every year to the Rotary Club of Port Alberni—Arrowsmith and Soap for Hope Canada. Nancy Blair, president of the Community Arts Council for the Alberni Valley, was nominated for her leadership in ensuring arts and culture contribute to the health, happiness and prosperity of the community.
"The Volunteer of the Year award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated unwavering dedication to volunteer work in the community," said presenter Crystal Knudsen from sponsor Scotiabank. "Their selfless contributions of time, energy, and expertise have made a significant impact on local organizations and initiatives."
When she is not serving with her volunteer roles Dube is a financial planner with Edward Jones in Port Alberni. She works with her son Adam Ballard, also a financial advisor.
Planning and fundraising "are important and valuable skills," she said. "Port Alberni is such a great community for me to be able to share those talents. I'm so passionate about fundraising and lots of people in the community know you can take me out for a cup of coffee and pick my brain on any pet project you might have.
"I will absolutely love to hear about what you're doing."
Dube is president-elect for the Rotary Club of Port Alberni, having also served as the club's secretary.