Distinguished volunteers recognized

COMMUNITY — They were short on words, but the volunteers honoured at Wednesday night’s Distinguished Service Awards were long on resumes.

Seven community minded Kamloopsians were award recipients at the annual City of Kamloops event, held to recognize those who go above and beyond for the city.

As Mayor Peter Milobar put it after they were handed their awards and took brief turns at the microphone, “They’re true volunteers,” more interested in helping the community than in accolades and speeches.

Bob Cowden, an educator who has served on numerous sports committees and is a recent inductee into the Kamloops Sports Hall of Fame, perhaps explained their motivations best when he said, “Over the years the thousands of volunteers I’ve worked with have showed a common passion — to make our community a better place.

After listening to Milobar read her introduction, which included volunteering for a long list of causes, Marg Rodgers told the gathering of about 70 people, “I feel like a pioneer.”

But some of the recipients were still in their teens despite their impressive records of volunteering and achievement. Chenel Meunier-Tedford is an SPCA and therapeutic riding association volunteer, while Julie Moray volunteers with such groups as Communities in Bloom, Pit Stop and an autism group.

“I feel extremely blessed to be raised in a community like Kamloops,” said Moray.

Jordan Popadeynetz, who spends countless hours volunteering with the Kamloops Heritage Railway Society, drew applause when he reminder everyone the historic 2141 steam engine’s famous whistle will be heard again this summer after an extensive boiler rehab.

Popadeynetz raised $2,000 for the 2141 when he was still only in Grade 9.

Helping seniors brought recognition for Joan Wymer for her work at Glenfair, and Marion Anderson, who was unable to attend due to illness.

Dimiter Terziev (piano), Catharine Dochstader (flute), and Annettee Dominik (violin) provided music. A Kamloops Fire Rescue honour guard and the RCMP were also there to provide a bit of pomp to the ceremony.

A reception followed the presentations.