MP, Larry Maguire, applauded volunteers across Westman area last night at the Canada 150 Service Medallion Awards Ceremony at the Brandon Riverview Curling Club.

Maguire said over 100 volunteers were nominated to receive the award, but only 30 awards could be given. Recipients spanned the entire south-west corner of the province, with volunteer service ranging from Blood Services volunteers, to those who instigated fund-raising events for cancer research, to those who were involved in numerous efforts in their communities throughout many years.

Each one followed their passions to help their communities in some way, and each was unique in its own way.

Larry Maguire said, “In celebration of our country’s sesquicentennial anniversary, I am honoured to present the Canada 150 Service Medallion, a commemoration coin in recognition of Brandon-Souris volunteers who have made outstanding contributions in their community.”

“The nominations for this award are for deserving individuals who, through their volunteerism, have enriched the lives of others and have made a lasting impact in their community,” said Maguire. “The people of Westman are among the most generous in the country when it comes to volunteering their time in their communities.”

Life-long resident of Wawanesa, Fire Chief Dennis Gullet, was among the recipients. Gullet joined the Wawanesa department right out of high school at the age of 18.  After 25 years, (12 of the most recent as Fire Chief), Gullet said it was an honour to be given this award.  “It’s wonderful,” he said.  “It’s nice to be recognized and that people notice you’re doing stuff for the community.”

Souris resident, Heather Williams, was awarded the Canada 150 coin but was unable to attend, so her son, Dustin, and his family received the award on her behalf. “She’s always been very involved in the community,” explained Dustin of his mother.  “And she takes great enjoyment being a part of all these different organizations.  She was quite honoured to be given this award, and I’m more than happy to accept it for her.”

Life-time volunteer, Bryan Jackson from Minto, says there are a lot of people who could have easily been receiving this award. Jackson is involved in many organizations in his community.  “Sometimes the people who are leading the groups are far more important than anything I do. But, it’s great!  It’s nice to be recognized.”

Brandon volunteer, Trevor Maguire, was pleased to be awarded the plaque and coin.  Maguire was applauded for his leadership in inspiring youth through the Western Manitoba Science Fair held every year in Brandon.  As well, he is chair of Youth Science Canada and Executive Director of the Canada Wide Science Fair where top achievers of youth science fairs from across the country come together each spring to vie for top contender.  He is also head of the Pelican Lake Healthy Lake Committee, and the Terry Fox Park in Ninette.  Maguire has some advice to those who are considering volunteering their time for their community.  “You just do it! Get involved where you can and make things better.  That’s how this world works – if somebody’s not trying to make it better then it’s just getting worse, right?”

MP Larry Maguire summarized that every volunteer in every community is recognized for their efforts in their community.

The following recipients received the Canada 150 Service Medallion Award at the Tuesday evening ceremony on July 4th:

Darryl Andrews – Brandon, MB

Adam Bajus – Kola, MB

Charlene Claeys-Godard – Glenboro, MB

Ann Clark – Brandon, MB

Dorothy Coupland – Boissevain, MB

Clare Couling – Oak Lake, MB

Jillian De Cosse – Brandon, MB

Ferg Devins- Souris, MB

Trudy Dickson – Melita, MB

Brian Fowell – Brandon, MB

Kerselin Fumier – Brandon, MB

Robert Gudnason – Glenboro, MB

Dennis Gullett – Wawanesa, MB

Linda Gundrum – Clearwater, MB

Alicia Hoemsen – Elkhorn, MB

Bryan Jackson – Minto, MB

Mike Johnson – Baldur, MB

Jean Loucks – Melita, MB

Trevor Maguire – Brandon, MB

Tracey Pasternak, Alexander, MB

Darlene Paquette – Brandon, MB

Wayne Preston – Holland, MB

Norm Reid – Waskada, MB

Nancy Schiltroth – Reston, MB

Kelvon Smith – Virden, MB

David Solesbury – Ninette, MB

Brian & Amber Sutherland – Kemnay, MB

Patrick Sutherland – Pilot Mound, MB

Carlie Whetter – Alexander, MB

Heather Williams – Souris, MB