Two regional volunteers honoured

Two of the region’s prolific community helpers will receive the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.

Gov-Gen. Julie Payette and B.C. Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin will present 40 of these citations to British Columbians at a ceremony this week.

“The Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers recognizes the exceptional volunteer achievements of Canadians from across the country in a wide range of fields,” said a spokesperson from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.

The honourees of nearest proximity are Surinderpal Rathor of Williams Lake and Liz (Kathleen) Jones of 108 Mile Ranch.

According to information from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Rathor has been with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program for 40 years in addition to volunteering with the City of Williams Lake and the Indo-Canadian community. He participates in public fundraising events, has been a member of the local health board, and founded the Community Policing Committee.

Over the past 15 years, Jones has been the local coordinator for the Emergency Support Services of 100 Mile House. During the 2017 wildfires, she led her dedicated team of volunteers by example and ensured that evacuees had access to temporary shelter, food and clothing.

Another northerner, Donna Ziegler of Terrace, will be recognized at the ceremony for her work on behalf of the Heart & Stroke Foundation, the Rotary Club and her church. When a school music program faced funding cuts, she started the Dare To Dream Foundation so students could participate in music classes and the school band.

All recipients of this year’s awards will be publicly honoured at an event at Government House in Victoria on Thursday.

To earn a Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, candidates must have demonstrated an exemplary commitment through their dedicated volunteerism. The medal is awarded to individuals only, not to groups or couples. Non-Canadians are eligible if their contributions have brought benefit or honour to Canadians or to Canada.

There is no deadline for submissions. Nominations are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the year.