National Volunteer Week takes place this year from April 27-May 4, 2025 and Skate Ontario is excited to recognize the dedicated individuals who give their time and energy to our sport. Figure skating in Ontario simply wouldn’t thrive without their passion, commitment, and generosity.
Volunteers play a vital role in every aspect of our skating community, serving as event volunteers, tech specialists, club and skating school supporters, board members, program assistants, officials, judges, evaluators, data specialists, and so much more. Their contributions make a lasting impact, and we are deeply grateful for each and every one of them.
Thank you to all our incredible volunteers—your dedication keeps our sport strong!
Volunteers deserve appreciation every single day! That’s why Skate Ontario has the ‘High Five a Volunteer’ initiative. The volunteer recognized have the chance to be featured on the Skate Ontario website and social media channels.
We would love to hear about the incredible volunteers across Ontario who are driving our sport forward. Please “High Five a Volunteer” by clicking the banner above and filling out a short survey on what makes the volunteer so special. We’ll be featuring as many of the volunteers as possible on our social media channels and website throughout National Volunteer Week.
2025 High-Fives
High-five, Cheryl Dozert!
Cheryl, of Kitchener-Waterloo Skating Club, has been volunteering in skating for more than 20 years. During this time, she has served on club boards, chaired local competitions, and volunteered on several LOCs.
According to her nominator, Valerie MacDonald, “Cheryl is knowledgeable, organized, caring, and kind. She loves the sport of skating and that comes through in every way in her volunteer efforts.”
Cheryl is a pillar of the figure skating community in her area. Her three children all grew up in the sport, and her son is currently a Junior level ice-dancer. She has also competed as an adult in both singles and sync.
Thank you, Cheryl, for all that you do!
High-five, Glenda Cartwright!
Glenda has been a devoted volunteer with the Fort Henry Heights Skating Club since 1985, serving in many roles including Vice President, President, and as the creative force behind countless ice shows and costumes. Her impact extended far beyond the local level: from 2002 to 2017, she served on the Board of Skate Canada Eastern Ontario, taking on key leadership roles such as Treasurer, Skating Programs Chair, Vice Chair, and Chair. According to her nominator, Krista Cartwright, Glenda is a committed and passionate leader. “What truly sets Glenda apart is her unwavering commitment to youth and to the sport of skating, even as her own children have grown into young adults.
As her parental responsibilities lessened, she chose not to step back, but instead to deepen her involvement—dedicating even more time to supporting young athletes and nurturing the skating community,” Krista says.
Thank you, Glenda, for all that you do!
High-five, Jacqueline Aaron!
Jacqueline is the Club President of Skate Brockville and also the LOC Chair of the Marching to Brockville Star 1-4 Competition.
Jacqueline, who was nominated by Sabrina Hinson, is known for being a hard working, dedicated, organized and passionate volunteer. Her successes include recruiting other volunteers for different events at the club, putting a Skate Brockville float in the Santa Claus parade, and fundraising for new ice-show costumes.
Thank you, Jacqueline, for all that you do!
High-five, Kaylyn Pecaric!
Kaylyn has been volunteering at the Brant Figure Skating Club for 5 years. According to her nominator, Karen Bocskay, she is an incredible team player who cares deeply for the club’s skaters.
Karen describes Kaylyn as kind, patient, hard-working, energetic and enthusiastic.
Thank you, Kaylyn, for all that you do!
High-five, Brooke Wessman!
Brooke serves as the Chair of Skate Lasalle, and manages all things related to the operations of the club. She also acts as the LOC for her club’s Provincial Series Competition, and ensures that the competition is successful.
According to her nominator, Pamela Luvisotto, “Brooke makes the skater experience a priority, while also considering the needs of the club and our coaches.”
Thank you, Brooke, for all that you do!
High-five, Sue D’Ambrosio!
Sue has been a volunteer at the Ingersoll Skating Club for over 15 years. She is known by her co-volunteers for being very organized and well spoken, for taking initiative, and for being a selfless and considerate person.
According to her nominator, Laurie Canham Kilby, “Sue is the epitome of someone who goes to great lengths to make things run smoothly behind the scenes. She is instrumental on our Executive as Treasurer, but has held or helped with nearly all positions. She is our assistant carnival director and a creative force. She also contributes by playing music and manning the canskate table at the arena. She is extremely introverted and is happy to do all of this from the shadows, but she should be celebrated for all she contributes to our small club.”
Thank you, Sue, for all that you do!
High-five, Heather Cole!
Heather is a volunteer at the Sioux Lookout Skating Club. According to Kayleigh Bates, a coach at the club, “Heather positively impacts the sport of skating by using her creativity and problem solving skills, and by promoting positivity among club members and staff.”
Kayleigh told us that Heather is a kindhearted and supportive volunteer who is committed to supporting the club’s skaters, parents and volunteers.
Thank you, Heather, for all that you do!
High-Five, Fort Henry Heights Skating Club Board!
This wonderful group of volunteers were nominated by the FHHSC Coaching Team, who told Skate Ontario that, “We are incredibly fortunate to have such a committed and selfless board. They devote countless hours year-round to ensure the smooth and successful operation of our club. Throughout the skating season, they are present at the arena every weekend, warmly welcoming families and making each skater feel special with a lollipop and a smile at the end of every session.”
Their dedication culminates at the annual year-end ice show, where board works tirelessly to plan every detail, ensuring skaters, coaches, and families enjoy a memorable experience.
Thank you to the FHHSC board for all that you do!
In honour of National Volunteer Week, Skate Ontario would like to share the following message to our wonderful officials:
“Skate Ontario would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to our incredible officials and volunteers — including judges, technical officials, evaluators, data specialists, announcers, and music specialists. Your unwavering dedication, expertise, and passion are the foundation of our organization and the success of every skater’s journey. Through countless hours of work, both behind the scenes and on the front lines, you ensure that each event runs smoothly, fairly, and professionally. Your commitment not only supports our athletes but also inspires our entire community. Skate Ontario simply could not thrive without you — thank you for everything you do.”
Thank you, officials!
High-Five, Angel Piette!
Angel has been volunteering at the Char-Lan Skating Club for two years. According to club president Stephanie Slinger, “Angel is a smiling face that our CanSkaters see every Monday night as they grab their name tag and have their attendance taken, and again at the end of the session when they receive their sticker. Angel also plays music during our STARSkate sessions, queues skaters using the microphone, and keeps our coaches organized by announcing the lesson focus. A bilingual elementary school teacher, Angel brings her warmth, organization, and enthusiasm to the rink each week.”
Thank you, Angel, for all that you do!
High-Five, Danielle Frydryk!
According to her nominator, Samantha Frydryk, “Danielle has watched her daughter grow her love for the sport within the NOTL skating club. She had always stepped up when someone was needed to support the club. It started as working at the Canskate table and then the board of directors, Danielle has grown into a well known member within our skate club.”
Over the 7 years that she has been volunteering at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Skating Club, Danielle has earned a reputation of being a committed, caring and supportive volunteer.
Thank you, Danielle, for all that you do!
In honour of National Volunteer Week, Skate Ontario would like to share the following message to our wonderful Technical Representatives:
“Skate Ontario would like to extend our deepest thanks to our incredible Technical Representatives. Your tireless behind-the-scenes work and the countless hours you devote to ensuring our competitions run smoothly do not go unnoticed. Your strong critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and calm leadership are essential to navigating the many complexities that come with organizing events. We are proud to recognize you not only as key contributors but also as leaders and mentors within our Skate Ontario community. Your dedication inspires everyone around you, and we are truly grateful for the expertise, care, and commitment you bring to our sport.”
Thank you, Tech Reps!
