Community Builders Awards: Selfless volunteer Shauna DiGasparro is this year’s Unsung Hero

Shauna DiGasparro has been described by those who work in the local non-profit sector as a dedicated volunteer who genuinely cares about helping people in need in our community.

A full-time employee at McDougall Energy, she has been volunteering at St. Vincent Place since 2016 and has made a significant impact on the organization and its clients.

In addition to serving as the chair of the board of directors, Shauna also leads food bank teams at both St. Vincent Place and the Soup Kitchen to help make and distribute meals, assists clients visiting the shelter and food bank and most importantly, has inspired others to do the same.

The time, care, attention and respect that Shauna gives to clients of these charities has helped to create warm, comforting, safe and positive experiences for people who are often facing their most vulnerable and difficult period in life. 

She plays an integral role in the yearly planning and execution of St. Vincent Place’s Big Blue Food Drive and Coldest Night of the Year initiatives, which bring in significant fundraising dollars for the organization.

In 2023, Shauna launched the Period Pantry in an effort to collect and distribute menstrual products for members of the community who cannot regularly afford to purchase these necessities.

With no goal of recognition for her kind deeds, Shauna is truly an Unsung Hero doing meaningful work in the background here in Sault Ste. Marie.

The Unsung Hero award is presented to an individual or group whose tireless work and/or volunteer efforts in our community seek to improve the lives of others. The recipient has created a positive impact in our community both now and for the future.

Congratulations, Shauna!

This award is proudly sponsored by Algoma University.

SooToday is proud to make a difference in our community by highlighting extraordinary individuals and organizations with our Community Builders Awards, a foundational piece of our SooToday Cares program.

Our mission is to create meaningful change in Sault Ste. Marie — and inspire others to do the same.