Jasmin Vallières Wins 2022 Paul Penna Community Service Award.
Like many people, Jasmin Vallières, an Electrical Supervisor at our Goldex Mine, witnessed the humanitarian crisis that hit the Ukraine after Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Touched by the plight of millions of displaced persons, Jasmin and his wife Mélanie volunteered to welcome a refugee family into their home. They quickly renovated and furnished their basement to accommodate a Ukrainian family in a safe and comfortable space.
On August 20, the Vallières welcomed a family of three – Tamara Serhieieva, her son Nazar and daughter Tamara – upon their arrival at Pierre-Elliot-Trudeau International Airport in Dorval, Quebec.
Since then, Jasmin has helped the family integrate into life in the Abitibi region of Quebec – from learning French and filling out paperwork, to facilitating driving lessons for Tamara, and helping her children learn and participate in sports.
For these, and other acts of community service, Jasmin Vallières is the 16th recipient of our annual Paul Penna Community Service Award. Each year we salute the generous spirit of our employees by presenting this award to the Agnico Eagle employee who best exemplifies the philosophies of our founder for community involvement, dedication and hard work.
In presenting the award to Jasmin during the company’s annual general meeting on April 28th, Sean Boyd, Executive Chair, said, “Jasmin, you have given this family hope for a safe and promising future. You are role model for the new youth in your household, as well as an inspiration to your colleagues at Goldex. You truly embody the spirit of all that Mr. Penna valued as a leader and member of the community. Thank you for making such a big impact in your community and for setting a wonderful example for all of us at Agnico Eagle.”
Agnico Eagle annually donates $10,000 CAD to the winner of the Paul Penna Community Service Award. Jasmin’s charity of choice is L'Aile Brisée in Val d’Or, Quebec, whose mission is to help parents and families of special needs children to improve their quality of life.
In a media interview, Tamara praised Jasmin and his family for helping her family. "Our integration into life in Quebec happened very quickly because we received so much help and support. I want to stay here in Val-d'Or because it's a great place and I believe the future is better here than in Ukraine. I want to protect my children. Here there are no dangers, that's what's most important to me.”