Local businessman Selen Alpay earns Medal of Good Citizenship

Prince George’s Selen Alpay is among 19 British Columbians who are receiving the Province’s Medal of Good Citizenship.

He was presented with the medal Tuesday in Vancouver.

In the 11 years he’s lived in the city, the owner of the local Canadian Tire store has gained a reputation for philanthropy and volunteering.

“As a person, Alpay models good citizenship and humanity to everyone he meets, giving generously of his time to multiple volunteer boards and organizations in the city and beyond: spending time with elders in care at Simon Fraser Lodge, and supporting and mentoring youth within his company and the community,” officials said in a tribute.

He is also involved in getting a new branch of the Boys Club Network launched in the city.

And he was a key supporter of an event to recognize the local volunteers who helped during the 2017 wildfire crisis, which saw more than 10,000 evacuees converge on the city.

In 2017, Alpay was named a Citizen of the Year by the Prince George Community Foundation for many of the same reasons.

Also in 2017, his Canadian Tire store was presented the Outstanding Corporate Culture award at the Prince George Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.

“His quiet personal philanthropy extends to his belief in corporate philanthropy, and his company is his most visible way of giving back to the community through sponsorship of, and donations to, countless organizations and events,” officials added in the tribute.

Launched in 2015, the Medal of Good Citizenship recognizes people who, through exceptional long-term service, have made outstanding contributions to their communities without expectation of remuneration or reward.