Dale McGill named 2025 Jack McKenzie Memorial Award recipient 

Tim Brody - Editor

Dale McGill is this year’s recipient of the John Alexander “Jack” McKenzie Memorial Award. Presented on August 1 by the Rotary Club of Sioux Lookout during the opening ceremonies of the 43rd Annual Blueberry Festival, the award recognizes outstanding volunteerism, as exemplified by the award’s namesake.
The Award was created by the Rotary Club of Sioux Lookout in 1992 “in recognition of selfless dedication to the community and its people”. The award is presented in memory of the late Jack McKenzie, an outstanding volunteer who, for many years, served on a wide variety of committees and organizations.
McGill was recognized for coaching and working with volleyball teams at the elementary and secondary school levels and the U16 girls’ travel team. McGill coaches in minor soccer and baseball, was involved in Sioux Lookout Gymnastics Club for many years as a coach and board member, and is the head coach of the Sioux North High School Warriors girl’s hockey team.
McGill has held multiple roles in the Sioux Lookout Minor Hockey Association and is a driving force in the women’s hockey league in Sioux Lookout.
McGill said she comes from a long line of volunteers, “My dad (Knowles McGill) has a list longer than mine and should be receiving this award but he says he can’t because it can’t be awarded to a Rotary member. My dad has always volunteered a lot and my mom (Jane McGill) gets pulled into that and has done her fair share too. They always said they didn’t want to see things fail because there weren’t enough volunteers and it’s important to be a part of the community. I’m sure I started volunteering with my dad and mom at some of their functions. When I came back to Sioux Lookout from university I wanted to coach volleyball and pass on some of the good coaching, knowledge and skills I picked up along the way. Once I had kids there was always a need for coaches and I don’t like to sit back and watch so I coached almost every sport my kids were involved in.”
Asked what she enjoys about volunteering and helping people grow through sport, McGill replied, “What I enjoy most about volunteering in volleyball, gymnastics and girls hockey is seeing growth—in skill, in confidence, and in character. It is rewarding to watch the things you’ve taught transfer to a game situation. It’s in those moments—when a young athlete nails a skill they’ve been struggling with or makes a smart play under pressure—that you see their self-belief take root. Not every season has been filled with wins and championships, but those losses have their own value. They teach resilience. They show us how to celebrate the small victories, like executing a skill flawlessly or working together to adapt when things aren’t going our way. These experiences build more than athletes—they build teammates, problem-solvers, and leaders. And knowing that these lessons might carry into their future careers, relationships, and challenges, that’s what keeps me coming back.”
“Like many volunteers, I just wanted to help out in areas I care deeply about,” McGill said. “Most of my time has been spent coaching kids in sports, which is far more than just showing up and giving your time. There’s a lot of thought, planning, and coordination that goes into every practice, every game, and every season. But what you get back is immeasurable. Watching young athletes grow—seeing them learn discipline, resilience, and teamwork—is something I feel privileged to be part of. The real reward comes in the relationships, the moments of progress, and knowing that in some small way, the knowledge and passion I’ve shared might ripple into their lives far beyond the rink or the gym,” she added.
Without volunteers, many of the events and activities people enjoy in Sioux Lookout would not happen. Asked if she had any words of encouragement or advice for anyone considering volunteering in town, McGill said, “I would say what’s stopping you? You get so much in return, whether it’s supporting a local cause, or coaching young athletes, your effort could change someone’s entire experience —  and yours too. If we don’t volunteer in Sioux Lookout then things don’t happen, we need to make them happen and it takes volunteers to get it all done! Get out there and be a part of something bigger.”
Three other community members were also nominated for the Jack McKenzie Award.
Sixteen-year-old Ethan McCord has contributed over 450 volunteer hours out of the 40 are required to graduate high school. McCord helps out with the Cedar Bay Smike Cookies drive. He has helped out with Blueberry Festival events for several years now. He is a coach and mentor for Sioux North High School’s Warrior Wrestling Club which gives elementary students an opportunity to learn the sport. He also helps out with Sioux Lookout Public Library programs, volunteers at the Community Easter Egg Hunt, and produces Remembrance Day painted rocks to support the Legion.
Anne Saltel has a long history of volunteering in the community.
Currently she is serving as the Chairperson of the Environmental Committee, the Chairperson of the Sioux Lookout Public Library board, she is the Treasurer of Sioux Area Seniors Activity Centre, and she co-organized this year’s “All Candidates” meetings and done so for many years along with Dick MacKenzie.
Kathy Storey, a resident of Hudson, has helped the Lost Lake Drop-In Centre grow in the last few years.
The Lost Lake Drop-In Centre has become a place for senior citizens and community members have a welcoming, and safe space to get together.
Storey also provided support and assist people with personal concerns, for example assisting with completing government forms.
Andreas Kottschoth, President of the Rotary Club of Sioux Lookout, said Sioux Lookout is a community of volunteers, adding, “Most events and activities in this community would not happen without the dedication of volunteers. Thank you to all who give of their time and talent to our community.”