Sambro Area Community Association
Sambro Spirit Awards
The Sambro Spirit Awards are presented to individuals, groups, organizations and businesses in recognition of their initiatives, enthusiasm and support of our community. Winners have exhibited a positive long-term dedication and involvement with community, family, friends and a true love of the rugged and natural beauty of our home, helping to make Sambro such an amazing place to live.
Up to three individuals or businesses are recognized each year for their outstanding work within the community.
2023
Jim Duthie (posthumously)
For the cultural contribution of his 1985 folk song "Sambro Beside the Sea", originally written for a church fundraiser. This honest story of a working fishing community with real people, great neighbours, and the wondrous natural beauty that surrounds us has become an anthem that is lovingly sung at local functions, including the annual Sambro Dinner Theatre. On hand to accept the award on his behalf were Jim's wife Lori and one of his sons, Josh.
2023
Helen Gray
For her early entrepreneurship as she sold eggs, ran a canteen at Crystal Crescent Beach, and together with her husband Alfred, owned and operated a store and ran the local post office. She saw opportunities in her community and was able to fill a need while lovingly and confidently raising her family. Even as she recovers from a broken hip, she continues to be a positive role model for Sambronians and beyond.
2017
Danny Gray
For his hard work, knowledge, generosity, inspiration, talent, humour, strength, motivation, dedication, and his ability to create wonderful nautical gifts as well as a willingness to donate to the community, his church, to local schools, his friend, and his family
2017
Catherine Banks
For her inspiration, enthusiasm, support, involvement, organizational skills, industry knowledge, advocating for the arts, her mentorship programs, the women’s craft group, her wonderful donations to community events as well as helping keep the community of Sambro beautiful with her work with the Sambro Trash Busters.
2018
Paul and Doris McGrath (posthumously), and Kerry Ann and Dave Gibson of the Dock and Dory Marina
For organizing local events such as a dart league, dances, jam sessions, talent shows, comedic entertainment, and for organizing the early Sambro Sou’Wester Days.
2019
Jeanne Henneberry, Eva Mae Gray, Barb and Gus Reyno
Congratulations to all of you for being recognized for everything you do for our community
2019
Barb and Gus Reyno
For their tireless work at church suppers and other functions, serving on their board of management, volunteering for over 20 years with the hot lunch program at Sambro Elementary School, generous donations, and enthusiastic participation at community events.
2023
Doug and Jackie Garrison
For their lifelong dedication to their church and their community, supporting neighbours and strangers alike who are in need. Various business ventures included Sambro Fisheries, a gas station and store in Sambro, and later renovating that building into three apartments. Even in retirement, they continue to be ardent volunteers at church and many other local events.
2017
Danny Gray, Catherine Banks and Skip Horton
Congratulations to all of you for being recognized for everything you do for our community
2017
Skip Horton
For his decades of contributions to the community, his leadership skills, outstanding volunteering and wealth of knowledge well as his advocation for the needs of the community.
2018
Frank Reyno of Reyno Fisheries
For his generous sponsorship of local fundraisers, church, school, hockey and community events, for donating the use of machinery to clean up the community, for providing opportunities for disadvantaged individuals to grow and improve their lives, and the many other things he does that we are not even aware of.
2018
The Lionheart Society
For organizing the annual Shay and MacKay Fishing Derby, creating and awarding a J.L. Ilsley scholarship, fundraising for various charities, and for their steadfast commitment to creating a wheelchair accessible picnic area and fishing park at Grand Lake.
2019
Jeanne Henneberry
For her participation in the St. James United Church choir, Sambro Dinner Theatre, talent nights, and other live performance shows, volunteering at church meals and other events, knitting dolls, socks, mittens and more for the IWK and the needy, making quilts for the homeless, sewing aprons, costumes and more, for her continued dedication to teaching and sharing, and her gift of making newcomers to the area feel truly welcome
2019
Eva Mae Gray
For her vision and creation of the Sambro Dinner Theatre, which she wrote, directed and produced for over 10 years and which continues to run today, for her live theatre productions at Melville Heights and the other fun activities she initiates there, her generosity to her family, friends and community members, her continued love of teaching, and for her dedication to remaining young at heart.