Activity and activism stand out for 2021
Exercise leader Hannah Murphy, 2SLGBTQIA+ group leader named winner of city’s volunteer award
She’s a full-time university student who feels strongly about inclusive activity programs. He’s a longtime activist with a passion to help 2SLGBTQIA+ community groups.
Together they represent the best of volunteering in St. John’s for 2021.
Hannah Murphy and Charlie Murphy — who are not related — were named the recipients of the city’s Building Healthy Communities Volunteer Award this week at city council’s weekly meeting.
The award recognizes residents who have volunteered their time to improve the quality of life and well-being of citizens as well as further the objectives of the city’s healthy city strategy.
“St. John’s is a wonderful place,” said Hannah, the youth award winner. “I’m so thankful to be involved in the community, doing these things that are so important to me, surrounded by such inspirational people. I want to thank those people who encouraged me to embrace those opportunities …
“I just think that’s it’s fantastic that the city recognizes volunteers in this way. I’m so appreciative to receive this award. I think all volunteers should be so proud of their impact.”
Hannah has been volunteering with the city’s Together in Movement and Exercise program. The program captured her attention because it is inclusive and she believes that everyone should have access to a safe and fun environment to stay active.
The program is complementary to her volunteer work in Dr. Michelle Ploughman’s Recovery and Performance Laboratory, where research focuses on the effects of exercise on the brain challenged by disease.
Hannah also volunteers as a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters Go Girls program, in which she guides young girls in building an appreciation for a healthy lifestyle.
As a member of Memorial University’s Psychology and Behavioural Neuroscience Society, she helps in organizing outreach events, such as clothing drives and city clean-ups. As a full-time student, volunteering gives Hannah the opportunity to take a study break, get moving and build relationships with a strong and inspirational community.
The adult recipient, Charlie Murphy (he, him, they, them), is a long-time activist and volunteer who has supported several local and national organizations.
With a passion for events, fundraising and community supports, he has in the past decade been a co-facilitator for the Pflag St. John’s Chapter, a peer support group for 2SLGBTQIA+ community members.
Charlie co-founded Raise Up Fundraising, an organization created to support unserved populations across the province and has been part of raising over $40,000 for community initiatives through several fundraisers like their signature event “Drag Bingo.”
He is also one of the cofounders of Quadrangle NL, a provincial 2SLGBTQIA+ community centre that received charitable status in December 2019 and is currently working towards a physical space for community members and organizations.
Charlie has used his graphic design skills to support organizations like St. John’s Pride with its logo and other materials as a past board member in 2014 and 2015.
He currently sits on a number of boards and committees like The Enchante Network as the Newfoundland and Labrador rep, Reaching Home Indigenous NL and the provincial Vulnerable Population Task Group.
“I know volunteering is a really time and heartfelt labour, but I just want to say it’s very much a team effort,” Charlie said.
“I’m not standing here just because of my own work. I’m standing on the shoulders of many others who came before me — that pushes that torch and makes you kind of want to keep doing better and helping others.”
Mayor Danny Breen said Hannah and Charlie help make the city a better place to live.
“I thank you both for your hard work, passion and activism,” he said. “You are making a real difference in the community.”
The awards helped mark the kickoff off volunteer week, which runs April 18-24 in St. John’s. The theme of this year’s event is “The value of one. The power of man.”
Breen said volunteers make an enormous contribution in community organizations and to the social, cultural and economic development of our province.
“More than 46 per cent of people in Newfoundland and Labrador over the age of 15 contribute an average of 151 volunteer hours each year,” Breen said, “resulting in a significant and positive impact on the quality of life of our citizens.”