The Town of Gibsons saluted some of its many community volunteers at the Volunteer Recognition Luncheon, held at the Gibsons Yacht Club on Tuesday, Feb. 3.
Gibsons Mayor Barry Janyk was on hand to help salute citizen representatives on the town's Planning, Community Services, Parks and Infrastructure and Corporate Services Committees. "Volunteers improve the quality of life in our community," said Janyk as he introduced representatives from the Gibson's Landing Harbour Authority, Advisory Heritage Commission, Aquatic Commission, Chamber of Commerce, library, Economic Development Partnership, Business Association, fire department, Fibre Arts Festival, Canada Day and Sea Cavalcade Committees, Citizens on Patrol and the Sunshine Coast Museum and Archive Society.
The highlight of the luncheon was the acknowledgement of 10 area residents singled out for special recognition. Often working quietly in the background, these people were brought into the spotlight and their achievements celebrated with a gold-embossed, framed certificate.
The town commemorated Emily Perry's years of devoted service to visitors, businesses and residents of Gibsons (as former manager of the Gibsons Chamber of Commerce office) and Jazz Festival promoters Graham Walker and Linda Williams' years of dedicated promotion of great music in Gibsons. Lark in the Park coordinator and community volunteer Elfie Hofmann, who said she hates surprises, even good ones, was shocked to receive a certificate recognizing the hundreds of volunteer hours she has spent making events so successful in Gibsons. Jeremy Chong, a fixture directing traffic for many events, was recognized for his perennial contribution to the smooth running of the town. Leo White, instrumental in securing funding for the new and much-needed rescue vessel, was saluted for his Herculean efforts on behalf of the Gibsons Auxiliary Coast Guard.
Jean Clarke and sister Pauline "Pops" Webber proved how well-deserved was their recognition for bringing joy and music to the hearts of families on the Sunshine Coast at the Moms and Tots Drop-In for the past 20 years as they led the room in a chorus of I'm in the Mood for Singing.
Recognized wherever they go by current and former program participants, they noted they are now seeing the second generation of babies at the facility.
When Janyk announced the award to Helen Alp, "in recognition of your daily efforts that make Gibsons the neatest place on earth," everyone rose in a spontaneous and vigorous standing ovation.
Alp, whose cart is a fixture on Gibsons streets as she picks up trash and recycles bottles and cans, was overwhelmed by the applause, blushing and smiling through her tears.
"God sent me here," she said, expressing her love of the community that was now expressing its love for her.
