Award winners
It was an evening of memories, storytelling and lots of laughter at the City of Summerside’s annual gala dinner and awards.
The event highlights the hard work of Summerside citizens and some outside the city with awards recognizing volunteer work, commitment and service above self.
This is the fourth year the awards have been handed out at the gala event, and this year marked Summerside Mayor Bill Martin’s last time taking part as mayor.
“It’s a real privilege to be part of this evening that honours Summerside’s best.”
Like recipients in past years, this year’s winners echoed that they don’t volunteer or help others for recognition.
“It’s a pretty amazing thing when somebody calls you out of the blue and tells you they want to give you an award for doing something you just do,” said Allison Smith. “It’s just a normal thing. It’s a special feeling to be recognized for doing something you really love.”
Smith brought home the 2018 Good Neighbour of the Year Award for non-residents of Summerside.
The 2018 Volunteer Year, Don Reid, agreed.
“I really appreciate this. To be recognized for something you do on a day-to-day basis is something. I live the dream that of the Following are the other award winners honoured at the City of Summerside’s annual gala dinner:
Good Neighbour of the Year Award for city residents: Gary Wilkie
Community Business of the Year: Stretch Fitness
Volunteer Service Organization of the Year: Summerside Lions Club
Youth of the Year: Generation XX Youth Board
Senior of the Year: Julie Simmons
Citizen of the Year: Layton Schurman the rest of the world dreams about. We live in a fantastic city, and I don’t mind the time (spent) because the time is always worthwhile.”
Reid’s citation describes his generosity, including committing large chunks of time to community organizations and charitable initiatives. These volunteer efforts include the Harbourfront Theatre’s chairman of fundraising and volunteer liaison, serving with the Newcomers Association, Relocation Committee for Bedeque and Summerside, president of P.E.I. Crimestoppers and countless other initiatives.
This year’s Mayor’s Medal of Honour recipient is probably “the most talked about person” in the city, Gerard “Turk” Gallant, coach of the NHL Vegas Golden Knights.
Gallant was unable to attend the gala dinner, but he did send his thanks in a recorded video message which was played at the event.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the selection committee for nominating me for this award. The nomination is humbling to me to share the nomination with a lot of great people from Summerside over these years. Summerside has been very good to me… It’s home to me. I’d like to congratulate all of the other winners tonight. You’ve done an awesome job.”