Kathy Dumouchel: 2024 Peace Medal Recipient
“You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.”
– Winston Churchill
Kathy Dumouchel’s life is a journey of service and dedication to her community, shaped by an unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. From her first experience volunteering at age twelve, Kathy found purpose in helping wherever help was needed, a calling that has grown into a lifetime of community building and support. “If there’s help that needs to be done, you participate,” she says—a simple statement that guides every aspect of her work.
Raised by parents devoted to public service, Kathy learned the value of giving back at an early age. This sense of responsibility blossomed into a lifetime of helping others, from chairing committees at her children’s schools to leading initiatives for food security and trauma support. “The more you get out there, the more you learn about how many opportunities are available,” Kathy reflects. With each new role, she discovered another way to serve, reaching people at some of their most vulnerable moments and meeting needs that might otherwise go unnoticed.
One of Kathy’s most impactful contributions is her work in food security. She is a board member with the Harbour Lights campaign, a significant fundraiser for the 16 Food banks in Southern NB. She is also on the board for the Brown Bag Lunch program, an initiative ensuring no student is left hungry or forgotten. For Kathy, it’s not just about the food but about sending a message of support and belonging. “The lunch bag might look simple—a sandwich, a granola bar, an apple—but to that child, it’s someone saying they matter.” Kathy’s work goes beyond meeting physical needs; it’s about the emotional support that comes from knowing someone cares. As she puts it, “Belonging really can sometimes be the very basic need people are looking for. When you feel that sense of belonging, you feel love, respect, and security.”
Her compassion extends beyond her committee work as her involvement with the North End Food Bank ensures that families and individuals facing food insecurity receive much-needed support. She understands that something as simple as a smile while passing a can of soup can brighten a person’s day and remind them that someone sees them. “It’s not just filling their bellies; it’s about letting them know someone cares,” Kathy says.
In addition to her work with food insecurity programs, Kathy is dedicated to helping those in crisis through victim services with the Saint John Police Force. This deeply personal role calls for empathy and strength as she supports individuals facing loss and trauma, often during the most difficult moments of their lives. It is one of Kathy’s most passionate areas of focus. “One of the most rewarding things,” she says, “is being there for someone during their hardest times.” This often quiet, late-night work offers her a unique sense of fulfillment. “I’ve had the privilege to be with people at their darkest moments, and hopefully help them through those times,” Kathy shares, adding that the emotional reward of helping others is beyond words. “It’s a fulfillment in a way that I can’t even explain.” Kathy sees her work not as a series of grand gestures but as the simple act of showing compassion through every interaction.
Kathy’s approach to community service is inclusive and inspiring, encouraging others to step forward and give back. Over the years, her dedication has inspired her husband and children to join her, carrying on the values she lives by. “I take a lot of pride that they’re doing it without thinking,” she shares, underscoring her belief that kindness and involvement should be part of everyday life. Kathy has also successfully recruited friends, neighbors, and even acquaintances to get involved, showing them firsthand the impact they can have by giving their time and energy. “When people get hands-on in an organization, they’re usually blown away by what they see,” she says. “Whether it’s the need or the impact, it often surprises them, and they go back wanting to do more.”
Her message to others is simple but powerful: “It’s important to give back when you can. There’s no timeline, no perfect starting point. Whether it’s an hour a week or just helping out with something small, there are always opportunities in the community.” For Kathy, it’s not about doing grand things; it’s about showing up, making connections, and being there for people.
Kathy takes great joy in seeing her children continue the tradition of giving back, something they’ve grown up watching her do. She believes volunteering is something everyone can and should do, regardless of their background or schedule. “You don’t have to be a stay-at-home mom, you don’t have to have a certain skill set—you just need empathy and a willingness to help.”
When asked what peace means to her, Kathy reflects, “Peace for me begins at the community level with social cohesion. Treat others like you want to be treated…I try to reflect this basic principle in every aspect of my volunteer work within the community regardless of the audience I serve.” To Kathy, peace is cultivated in the small, consistent acts that build community bonds. “When you do your part in each community—whether it’s family, work, or a neighborhood group—it can only lead to good things,” she says. Her life is a testament to this belief, inspiring all who know her to look for ways they can contribute.
Despite the challenges of balancing her time and handling the emotional weight of her work, Kathy remains steadfast in her belief that every act of service counts. “There are always challenges,” she admits, “but the rewards far outweigh them. It’s the magic of a smile, the warmth of a hello—you never know how much these small things can help someone.”
Kathy Dumouchel’s story is one of quiet, steadfast dedication. She doesn’t seek recognition or praise for her work. Instead, she finds joy in the difference she makes in the lives of others and the connections she builds in her community. Her journey is a testament to the power of service and the profound impact one person can have when they commit to helping others—not for accolades, but for the simple act of lifting others up.
In a world that often feels divided, Kathy’s example reminds us of the importance of compassion, community, and, above all, the power of giving without expectation. “When one door closes, try another,” she encourages. “The opportunities to make a difference are endless.”
For her continuous work in creating a more compassionate, connected society, we are proud to honor Kathy Dumouchel as the 2024 Peace Medal recipient.
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