National Volunteer Week 2025

As part of National Volunteers Month and National Volunteers Week April 27-May 3, Swim Ontario would like to thank our hard working volunteers who give their time and commitment to help our sport and community on a daily basis. We will be highlighting many of our wonderful volunteers over the next few weeks.

Humans just may be what some people refer to as individuals who often like to look ahead.

Caught up with so many activities to do in life, we tend to make bold plans, envision things in many ways, put together lists of what to do and even wager on various aspects in the unlimited scope of sports.

Being inquisitive about the future, there are also people who take a great deal for granted.

Some just might recall the legendary Audrey Hepburn, a British actress who may have been one of the greatest female screen legends and a cultural icon, was known for her genuine compassion and strength of character. But there was something else – and as quoted in her own words.

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”

Let me introduce you Stewart (Stew) Nutt, a fascinating individual, whose focus can be summed up as always looking to make things better. Yes, being there for others.

“I’m always focussed on making differences, small and large, and seeing people benefit from their achievements,” said the 75-year-old, who was born in the town of St. Marys, a 35-kilometres drive northeast of London, Ont.

His home is Southampton, located on the western side of Lake Huron. Others now refer to it as Saugeen Shores after provincial officials amalgamated two towns and an adjacent township.

Nutt has always wanted to be a teacher. He worked with special needs children when he attended high school and remembers, in his final year of studies, how impressed he was with teachers who had made a huge impact on his life.

Fascinated with the outdoors, especially camping and backpacking, he was always interested in studying animals. That resulted in post-secondary studies and a degree in zoology from the University of Western Ontario. He did fulfill his career goal and, after 30 years, retired from various roles as a Supervisor, Principal and teacher.

Volunteering has been encapsulated in Nutt for as long as he can remember. Whether it was helping young students in rural communities adapt to their studies or what he has done so well for the past 26 years, volunteer at a variety of swim meets.

“When I took my young daughter for swim lessons, and she became a competitive swimmer at age seven, I always wanted to be part of the action,” recalled Nutt about the early start to officiating in 1999. “Sitting around and watching was not for me, so I got involved in timing races.”

It didn’t take long for him to get serious about a volunteer experience – one that would last for more than a quarter of a century. Initially starting out volunteering with the Breaker’s Swim Team in Port Elgin, where his daughter swam, he also officiated at many other pools in Ontario and across the country at municipal, regional, provincial and national swim meets

“Changes had to be made in officiating from manual to electronic (timing),” recalled Nutt, who is also a Rotary Club member, and in his spare time an avid bird watcher. “We have been using a five-lane pool, with manual stop watches, but soon we’ll have something much better.”

Saugeen Shores is nearing completion of a state-of-the-art facility that will house an eight-lane pool, electronic timing, as well as a fitness and wellness centre. It is one of the town's biggest capital projects and is expected to serve as a regional recreational hub for decades.

“Long overdue and it will be huge for swimmers and help us recruit, train and get officials,” said Nutt, who is a Level 5 master official – a title he earned after attending numerous clinics. He took on the huge responsibility of making sure rules are followed and fairness exists at swim meets.

“My focus now is on swim clinics for new officials and how they are expected to do the job,” he said. “It’s great – something I really like doing. However, enjoyment for me is also being able to see swimmers improve their times and I also like to talk to parents (who also volunteer) to make sure they’re having fun on the pool deck.”

April is a month when people like Nutt, are recognized, for their major impact in volunteering. It’s also National Volunteer Month - a time to celebrate and highlight the contributions of millions of people in Canada.

Yes, individuals like Nutt - the educator from Bruce County - who continues to contribute, in a positive way, towards the lives of others by volunteering their time in communities across the country. In Canada, National Volunteer Week is from April 27 to May 3 and the theme is “Volunteers Make Waves” – an opportunity to highlight the power and impact of volunteer efforts.

“I keep coming back to what it’s all about – that’s volunteering and making a difference,” said Nutt, who was recognized with a Swim Ontario annual award for “the highest standard of officiating in Ontario”. Calling himself a modest guy, he also likes to be low key.

“To be honest, getting that award was a shock,” said Nutt, who is a person of integrity, commitment and responsibility. “I know officials who deserve it more than me.”

David Grossman is a veteran multi award-winning Journalist and Broadcaster with some of Canada’s major media, including the Toronto Star and SPORTSNET 590 THE FAN, and a Public Relations professional for 50+ years in Canadian sports and Government relations.