The Big Impact Award recognizes individuals who have made an extraordinary difference in our community through outstanding volunteerism, mentorship, fundraising, advocacy, or other meaningful contributions that strengthen our community.
This award is presented to individuals who may or may not have a direct connection to our organization but have consistently championed our mission and contributed to positive change throughout the region. As an organization that relies on the support and engagement of our community, we believe it is important to recognize and celebrate those whose efforts help others thrive.
The Big Impact Award honours the dedication, generosity, and leadership of individuals whose contributions have created meaningful change by uplifting their community, inspiring others to give back, and leaving a lasting impact .
Frank and Connie Paul
For more than 10 years, Frank Paul and his wife, Connie, have been avid volunteers in the Fredericton and Oromocto community. From mentoring youth to their dedicated work in helping the homeless community, their involvement in local organizations that support those in need has been nothing less than extraordinary.
In the 1990s, Frank stepped into the role of becoming a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters. He was first matched with his Little, Raymond, and not long after was able to extend that same support to Raymond’s younger brother, Bruce. A few years later, he became a Big Brother to another Little, Jessie. From the start, Frank became a positive influence and a steady source of support in his Littles’ lives, and his bond with the boys has lasted more than 30 years. Even with Raymond moving to Ontario in his adulthood to pursue his career goals, their connection has remained strong, and they are still in touch to this day.
In addition to his involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Frank spends his free time giving back to the homeless community alongside his wife, Connie. For five years, Frank and Connie worked alongside a non-profit organization known as Under the Tent, providing food and support to those living on the streets. Their initiatives only began to grow from there. Frank and Connie have gone on to organize their own support system for the community, bringing food, other necessities, and helping individuals find shelter. With open ears and a generous heart, they have been a welcoming safe space for folks to turn to.
Frank and Connie believe that no matter how someone shows up at your doorstep, every human deserves the same love and care. When asked about the emotional strength it takes to do what they do for others, Connie describes their efforts as “a labour of love.”
“Working with kids or the homeless, it’s really a labour of love. Making them feel a sense of normality.” – Connie Paul
Where many people would turn a blind eye, Frank and Connie have offered a helping hand. Recognition has never been their motivator – “It’s not about rewards, it’s about humanity,” says Connie. Their legacy deserves to be celebrated, which is why Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fredericton and Oromocto is proud to honour them both with the Big Impact Award, as of May 2026.
Ralph Harris
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fredericton and Oromocto is proud to honour community-minded local resident Ralph Harris with the Big Impact Award in recognition of the remarkable difference he has made in the lives of others. Through his dedication to nonprofit organizations, schools, and other volunteer initiatives across the Fredericton and Oromocto region, Ralph has consistently demonstrated the power of showing up for others. His commitment to supporting and uplifting those around him reflects the lasting impact that guidance, mentorship, and encouragement can have on young people, families, and future generations.
Those who know Ralph Harris are familiar with the generosity he’s shown his community over the years. A passionate advocate for education, mentorship, and volunteerism, Ralph spent 35 years of his career devoted to education in schools in Marysville, Acton, Saint-Hilaire, and Oromocto, before retiring as Principal of Harold Peterson Junior High School.
Throughout his career and retirement, Ralph has remained deepy committed to volunteerism across several organizations. He has championed Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mission through his involvement in the Oromocto Rotary Club, promoting the life-changing impact of mentorship and the difference one caring person can make in another’s life by showing up, listening, and offering support. In addition to his work with the Oromocto Rotary Club, he has also served as a Board Member and Chair of the Oromocto Public Hospital Board, Board Member of the Oromocto Training and Employment Centre, a volunteer with the Oromocto Public Library, and a contributor to numerous additional committees at the Oromocto United Church.
A familiar face in his community, Ralph can often be found canvassing his neighbourhood in support of organizations such as the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, the Canadian Cancer Society, and the Kidney Foundation of Canada. His outstanding dedication to helping others has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Arey Howe Award for Volunteerism from the Town of Oromocto, the Elder Emeritus Award for service to the Oromocto United Church, and the prestigious Paul Harris Award from the Rotary Club of Oromocto.
This May, Ralph registered a fundraising team at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fredericton and Oromocto’s annual Bowl For Kids’ Sake event, bringing together five generations of his family. At the bowling lanes, he was joined by his daughter, Cheryl White; his granddaughter, Sarah Wells; his great-grandchildren Riley Jardine, Parker Wells, Ava Wells, and Simon Wells; and his great-great-granddaughter, Georgia Jardine.
In recognition of his decades-long commitment to making a difference, Ralph was honoured with the Big Impact Award on behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fredericton and Oromocto on May 29, 2026.