Sunshine Coast community volunteers were honoured at a Celebration of Excellence on Oct. 28 presented by the Volunteer Centre, a project of Sunshine Coast Community Services Society. Many of them gathered at Roberts Creek Hall along with their supporters, nominators and an enthusiastic audience who learned a bit more about the 18 recipients in seven categories of service, including three group projects, pushing the total to 55 people.
Among other criteria, volunteers must have served the Coast for five years, shown leadership, broken new ground and shared their vision. The evening’s MC, Naomi Fleschhut, said, “All 18 meet and exceed these criteria.”
When the parents of the late Daniel Kingsbury, Dan and Bronia Kingsbury, stood on stage to receive an award for their son who worked for environmental protection, the audience rose in a standing ovation. Kingsbury’s posthumous award was for his work in founding the Jellyfish Project, an awareness of ocean sustainability, climate change and environmental stewardship that he and his band, Mindil Beach Market, offered during their live music performances.
Another moving moment came when Ashley Doyle gave a keynote speech about her own efforts to fill a need in the community. Diagnosed with cancer at age 28, Doyle worked at Coast Reporter and had her whole life, family and career before her. Treatment was painful but the hardest part came after the major hurdles – depression set in. She looked for a cancer support group and didn’t find one. After talking with board members of the Ruby Slipper fund, a group that provides financial assistance for those facing cancer, she volunteered to organize a support group.
“Bringing people together is something I’m extremely passionate about,” she said.
In the category of Arts, Dorothy Fraser, festival director and creative fundraiser for the Arts Council, was honoured. Pat and Murray Drope of the Gibsons Public Art Gallery were called a “dynamic duo” by presenter Vicki Dobbyn for their role in creating and serving the gallery.
In the area of Community Building, Alison Sawyer was honoured for her skills, passion and strategic counselling pro bono legal work, Anne Titcomb for her involvement with the SC Community Resource Centre, and Conchita Harding for her tireless organization of many Sea Cavalcade festivals. Lennea Perpet, Lion of the Year, served the Lions Club and also managed their housing society. Patricia Stuart, coordinator for the SC Special Olympics, also worked with young people to provide education and job training. Sue Jackel helped to fund and establish programs and information for seniors.
In Education, the Sunshine Coast Elder College Society offers programs to over 600 seniors every year, with volunteers either planning or teaching. Chair Keith Maxwell accepted the award on behalf of 13 others. Barbara Hetherington earned her award for promoting environmental protection and reclamation of resources through her visits to schools and groups.
In the category of Health and Wellness, Donna Kyewich’s marketing and purchasing skills contributed to rising sales for the Healthcare Auxiliary. Another two leaders in the Health category also worked with the Auxiliary’s various branches: Maxine Nelson and Michelle Chapman. The group that offers help to the homeless on the Coast were honoured for their work in advocacy, securing funding and raising awareness. Three members of the group, Kelly Foley, Judith Goetz and Lucie McKiernan, accepted the award on behalf of the Sunshine Coast Homelessness Advisory Council steering committee.
New volunteer Janice Williams offered her home and social media time for artists and writers, and acts as a role model for community involvement. Sheri Archer accepted an award on behalf of the Community Services Thrift Store volunteers. “Day-to-day service can be tedious,” Dobbyn said, “and the [thrift store] donations room can be overfull, but the volunteers serve cheerfully without complaint.”
In the category of Safety, Mark Wenn has served five enthusiastic years with the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue.
“Sunshine Coast boaters are safer, thanks to Mark’s efforts,” Dobbyn said.
Honourees received a plaque and a certificate then enjoyed a dessert and wine reception following the ceremony.
