Thank you all for being here tonight as we come together to celebrate and recognize the incredible contributions of our volunteers throughout the 2023/2024 season. This evening is about you—the heart and soul of everything we do.

Over the past year, we’ve hosted and organized countless events, from local bonspiels to regional championships, each requiring a tremendous amount of time, effort, and coordination. None of these events would have been possible without your dedication, your passion, and your willingness to step up and make things happen. Whether it’s setting up venues, managing logistics, or interacting with our participants and spectators, each of you has played a crucial role.

I would like to take a moment to give special recognition to those who went above and beyond during last November’s Everest National Championships. This event was a massive undertaking, and with over 100 volunteers involved, it truly demonstrated the strength of our volunteer community.

First, a big thank you to everyone who manned the admissions table. You were the first point of contact for spectators, ensuring smooth and welcoming entry to the event. Your efficiency and friendliness set the tone from the moment people walked through the doors.

Next, to our Lounge and lobby attendants—you kept the energy up, ensured comfort, and made everyone feel at home, creating a positive atmosphere that left a lasting impression on both players and guests alike.

To our lottery sellers, thank you for your efforts. Your engagement with spectators helped us raise essential funds that support our organization and future events. You played an important part in the success of the event, all while bringing enthusiasm and a personal touch to every interaction.

Our scorekeepers and timekeepers, who often work behind the scenes but are absolutely vital to the smooth operation of any curling event—thank you for your meticulous attention to detail and your ability to keep everything running on schedule. Without you, we wouldn’t be able to run a fair and professional competition.

One particular point of pride for our volunteer committee has been the development of a dedicated timekeeper network. This initiative focused on providing comprehensive training and evaluation, ensuring that our timekeepers are well-prepared for any future timed events within the city. The network has not only enhanced the quality and professionalism of our own events but has also become a valuable resource for the broader curling community. We’ve shared this list of skilled volunteers with CurlMB and other clubs as they prepare to host their own events, creating a legacy of excellence and collaboration for years to come.

A heartfelt thank you goes to our sturdy back crew, who worked tirelessly to transform our humble 1968-built arena into a magnificent stage for a world-class event. Under the vision and expert guidance of our Ice-maker, Matt Rankine, this dedicated team lugged heavy carpet rolls, hung drapes, built bleachers, and assembled the stage platform for our iconic ice-bar. This monumental effort was a true community collaboration, bringing together both older and younger generation volunteers in a display of teamwork and commitment that we haven’t seen since the installation of the cooling system back in the 1990s. Their hard work, unity, and determination turned our arena into something truly special, setting the stage for an unforgettable spectator and television viewing experience.

A special shout-out goes to Kevin Nakonechny for his invaluable technical knowledge and advice, which were essential in bringing our old barn into the 21st century for this event. Kevin ensured that we had electrical back-up and carefully labeled outlets so we wouldn’t run into any fuse issues during the competition. His expertise didn’t stop there—he worked closely with the IT and streaming service providers to ensure all the electronic and electrical needs were met, allowing the event to run seamlessly. His behind-the-scenes efforts were critical to making everything function smoothly, and we are deeply grateful for his contributions.

I’d like to give special recognition to our incredible transportation crew, who played a key role in making the event run smoothly. You welcomed curlers to our city with warmth and enthusiasm, ensuring they arrived to and from the downtown hotel on time, ready to compete. But your role went far beyond just driving. You acted as ambassadors for both our club and our city, offering local knowledge, sharing stories, and giving participants a true sense of what makes our community special. From early mornings to late nights, you were always available, and your efforts left a lasting impression on the curlers. Many have shared fond memories of their time here, thanks in large part to your hospitality and dedication.

Finally, I want to acknowledge every single one of the 100+ volunteers who contributed their time and energy to the Everest National Championships. The long hours, the hard work, and the commitment you showed are nothing short of extraordinary. You demonstrated what can be achieved when we come together with a shared goal and purpose. You’re the backbone of this community, and your dedication didn’t just ensure the success of the event—it made it a truly memorable experience for everyone involved.

As we look forward to another exciting season, I hope each of you takes a moment to feel proud of what you’ve accomplished. The success of this season, and every season, is thanks to you—our volunteers.

On behalf of everyone here, thank you for your dedication, your hard work, and your passion. We are so grateful for everything you do.

Here’s to you, and to another fantastic season ahead! Thank you.

Volunteer Of The Year: Carl Kummen

Presented by: Darcie Buxton (AMCC President)
and Jody Smart (Club Manager)

This honor goes to someone who embodies the spirit of dedication, selflessness, and love for curling—someone who makes things run smoothly behind the scenes and keeps the heart of our club beating strong.

This year's award goes to none other than Carl Kummen. Now, for those of you who know Carl, you’ll recognize him as the only curler I’ve ever seen who can sweep with a cup of coffee in hand—and not spill a single drop! And that’s just a glimpse into his dedication and remarkable multitasking skills.

Carl is the type of volunteer who is always ready to help—whether it’s fixing something obscure, handling the trickiest jobs, or ensuring everything is running smoothly. He’s truly earned the title of ‘Mr. Fix-it’ around here. From electrical work to maintenance and everything in between, Carl is always on hand to step up and lend his expertise.

Now, some of you might wonder, ‘What does Carl ask for in return?’ Well, the answer is simple: coffee. Not just a cup, though, but a pot of coffee to keep him going through the countless hours he gives to this club.
Carl has been an integral part of the Masters and Seniors leagues for years, and he also serves as the league convener of our Friday Seniors League. He’s known not only for his hard work but also for his outgoing and engaging personality. He brings warmth and energy to everyone around him, both on and off the ice.

I have to mention the Everest event. During that week, it felt like Carl practically lived here. He worked tirelessly, ensuring everything was in place. He went above and beyond, whether it was fixing last-minute issues, going on grocery runs, or cheering on the teams from the ice. Yes, Carl is not only a volunteer, but a true curling fan who takes the time to support the players, even if it means jumping out there to give a cheer.

Carl’s contributions to this club are endless, and his passion for helping others is an inspiration to us all. Tonight, we are proud to honor him for everything he has done—and continues to do—for this community.

Please join us in congratulating our 2023-24 Volunteer of the Year, the man with the coffee cup and endless dedication: Carl Kummen!

Honorary Life Member: Bruce Burton

Presented by: Darcie Buxton (AMCC President)

Bruce's contributions to both the business world and our curling community have been profound and far-reaching.

Bruce's journey began with a distinguished 30-year career in banking, where he retired as a Vice President. Yet retirement was merely the beginning of another chapter for Bruce. He was commissioned by the Business Development Bank of Canada, playing a crucial role in establishing five Indigenous banks across Canada—a remarkable contribution that strengthened economic opportunities for First Nations communities nationwide.
Bruce didn't stop there. As a founding director of the First Peoples Economic Development Fund, he helped empower First Nations entrepreneurs by enabling them to create and grow businesses across Manitoba. His efforts in economic development have left a lasting impact, benefiting many individuals and communities.

Beyond his work with Indigenous enterprises, Bruce also operated a successful consulting business, specializing in financial analysis, human resources, strategic planning, and best business practices. He has guided numerous organizations by developing employee handbooks and offering expert advice on business growth. His most recent venture was helping a floundering manufacturing company recover and thrive after the tragic loss of its owner. Through his mentorship and wisdom, Bruce helped guide the next generation of leadership and now sits on the company’s board of directors.

Bruce’s experience spans over 40 years of service on various bank, business, and non-profit boards. With this vast knowledge and experience, he brought tremendous value to our curling club. For 40 years, Bruce has been a dedicated member of our community, curling in multiple leagues. He served as the Masters League convener for an impressive 11 years and was a valued board member for around 7 years. During his time on the board, Bruce developed many of the contracts that the club still uses today, ensuring our operations remain modern and efficient.

Bruce’s contributions to our club reflect his broader career: a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and a commitment to excellence. Even now, Bruce continues to offer his guidance, helping us introduce modern business practices and ensuring we remain a thriving organization.

Bruce’s emphasis on clear and effective communication has been a cornerstone of his success in both business and community organizations. By fostering open lines of dialogue, he ensures that all stakeholders are aligned on goals, expectations, and challenges. His ability to facilitate communication between diverse groups—whether it's board members, employees, or community members—helps to build trust, prevent misunderstandings, and drive collaboration. This focus on communication creates a strong foundation for decision-making, problem-solving, and conflict resolution, ultimately contributing to the long-term success and resilience of the businesses and organizations he serves. In our club, his insistence on clear contracts and transparent communication has been instrumental in maintaining smooth operations and achieving collective goals.

Bruce, on behalf of the entire curling community, we thank you for your remarkable contributions and are honored to present you with this well-deserved Honorary Lifetime Membership Award.

Everest Curling Club Championship

Presented by:
Hailey Ryan, Host Committee Chair

Hailey unfortunately was unable to attend this volunteer function, as she awaits the arrival of her baby. As such, Jody delivered her speech acknowledging contributions to the 2023 Everest National Curling Club Championship event.

I am honored to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible contributions to the success of the Everest Curling Club Championships, which took place at our club in November of 2023. As I look around this room, I see the faces of those who made a significant difference—not just in the smooth execution of the event, but in the way our entire community has come together to celebrate and enjoy it.

Volunteers are often the unsung heroes behind the scenes, and today, we want to make sure your hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm are recognized and celebrated. From the early morning set-ups to the late-night clean-ups, your unwavering commitment has been the backbone of this event. It’s your spirit, your energy, and your willingness to step up that have transformed our vision into a reality. Specifically, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the Everest Committee who made this event come to life. After countless hours, several meetings throughout the year, and so much time spent at the curling club before, during, and at the commencement of the event, your efforts and passion did not go unnoticed. This event would not have been possible without you.

I would also like to recognize and thank the staff of the Assiniboine Memorial Curling Club for their hard work and dedication to making sure the National event was a success; to our many bartenders (who made sure Randy Ferby was well-hydrated the entire event), to our ice crew lead by Matt Rankine, and to our Club Manager Jody Smart, thank you for your time and efforts.

Because of you, our facility has not only benefited from the success of the Everest National Curling Club Championship but has also become a vibrant hub of community engagement and enjoyment. The success we are celebrating today is a testament to your remarkable teamwork and resilience. You have not only supported the logistics of the event but have also infused it with a sense of warmth and camaraderie that has resonated with everyone who attended.

Each one of you played a crucial role—whether you were guiding participants, assisting with operations, or simply providing a friendly smile, your contributions have made a lasting impact, and it is clear that without your dedication, the event would not have been the success it was.
I also want to acknowledge that your efforts extend beyond the event itself. By helping us put on such a successful occasion, you’ve enhanced our facility’s reputation, encouraged more people to engage with our programs, and fostered a sense of community that will endure long after the event has concluded.

Thank you for your tireless efforts, for your positivity, and for your passion. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed, and we are profoundly grateful for everything you have done. We look forward to the many more opportunities to work together and to continue creating memorable experiences for everyone who walks through our doors.

Let us give ourselves a round of applause—for the teamwork, the dedication, and the remarkable spirit that has made this event such a resounding success.Thank you once again, from the bottom of our hearts.