When Laureen Belliveau heard her name announced at Walmart Canada’s 2025 Year Beginning Meeting, she froze.
Then she started to cry.
“I didn’t even know I was nominated for this award until I arrived at the meeting, so it meant everything.”
Laureen Belliveau, Store Manager of Store 3056 in Dieppe, New Brunswick and a 20-year Walmart Canada associate had just been awarded the Helen R. Walton Excellence in Community Leadership Award, a recognition inspired by Helen Walton’s belief that “it’s not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you’ve lived.”
Community leadership is deeply personal for Laureen. A serious car accident at age 26 changed her outlook on life and giving back.
“In a heartbeat, my world changed,” said Laureen. “When I healed, I made a commitment to give back. I started volunteering, and I never stopped. When you see the impact, when people are emotional because they feel supported, it pushes you to keep going.”
Under Laureen’s leadership, the Dieppe Walmart has become a hub of care and community support.
Her team regularly volunteers at the local food bank. They collect blankets, jackets, sweaters, and more for their local shelter. They also raise funds for the IWK through Walmart’s annual Children’s Miracle Network campaign.
But what matters most to Laureen is how her team shows up.
“Laureen exemplifies servant leadership,” says Ian Williams, Market Manager, New Brunswick and PEI, Walmart Canada. “She leads with heart. Her passion inspires her associates to step up, support each other and make a real difference in the community. Under her leadership, the Dieppe store has become a benchmark for meaningful, sustained community engagement This recognition is incredibly well-deserved.”
One moment, in particular, stands out for Laureen as a turning point.
“When I met Brandy from Canadian Blood Services, her passion stayed with me,” Laureen said. “I brought it to our market meeting and asked if we could all go donate blood. When I saw Store Managers show up at the donor clinic, I was overwhelmed. I still cry when I talk about it. That’s when everything changed for us.”
Laureen’s associates have been with her every step of the way.
“I owe this award to my team. This is Store 3056. This is Market 28. I truly love Walmart. My family will tell you I’m a cheerleader for this company, but this award belongs to the incredible associates I work with every day.”
“Whatever we need to do to help, they show up every time. Whether it’s donating blood, collecting food or helping where it’s needed, they just do it. They know how much giving back means.”
Today, the award plaque sits proudly beside Laureen in her office, a daily reminder of the people and purpose behind it.
For Laureen, community leadership isn’t about recognition. It’s about showing up, giving back and making a difference, one act at a time.
Congratulations again Laureen! Associates like you make all the difference.
