Canada 150 Medals for Contributions to their Communities
Scores of individuals were recognized for their selfless contributions to the betterment of communities within Saskatchewan at an awards ceremony held on Saturday, November 4.
MP for Moose Jaw-Lake Centre-Lanigan, Tom Lukiwski awarded 100 persons for volunteerism across their communities. They were awarded a special series of commemorative medals to help celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday. Recipients were recognized for a diverse range of accomplishments including (but not limited to): Community Volunteer Work, Fundraising for Community, Health or Social Causes, Military Service, Achievements in Sports, Public Service, Volunteer Firefighters and Leadership in Agriculture.
Lukiwski joined with many MPs across the country in encouraging local people to nominate volunteers, community leaders and other outstanding individuals who have made a difference in people’s lives. “This was, above all, a grass-roots driven process. There was not a committee in Ottawa that selected the recipients. These are people who are being recognized and celebrated by their neighbours and communities for the difference they’ve made in others’ lives. I think that is the highest praise and the best kind of recognition one can achieve,” said Lukiwski. Lukiwski said it was an honour presenting the medals to the hardworking individuals who give back and help others without seeking any rewards in return. “Through much of the sesquicentennial year, we have paid tribute to the great national leaders and heroes of the past, and that is appropriate. But much of the hard work of building and maintaining a country comes down to people like this who in their own way have helped make their communities, their province and their country a better place. They represent the true spirit and character of our nation. They deserve our congratulations and praise,” he said. Many of the recipients were surprised by the recognition. Former Mayor, Deb Higgins and Former Executive Director for Hunger in Moose Jaw, Carol Acton were among the awardees. While expressing surprise by the selection, they say it is humbling to be recognized in such a way and commended their fellow awardees for the contributions they have made in their communities.
“It was a really nice opportunity to see a variety of people from across the constituency that contributed to the community and being recognized with this award. I was a lit- tle surprised by the award because you don’t get involved with activities within the community for the recognition. You do it to help contribute to your community and hopefully make improvements that are felt in the community on a whole but it was really nice that such a diverse group of people were awarded and that just shows the heart of our communities,” said Deb Higgins. Carol Acton expressed similar sentiments. “It’s lovely to be awarded. It’s very humbling. There are so many people I can think of who really deserve the honour. It is wonderful to be part of this wonderful group of people and it just represents how much people do for this community and how lucky we are to be living in such a caring community; with people who are willing to put themselves out there to work to make the world a better place to live.”