Many community members were recognized at the Spirit of Revelstoke awards ceremony for their efforts in making Revelstoke a better place. Held in conjunction with the Welcome Week’s Volunteer Fair and Dinner, the Revelstoke Community Centre was filled with representatives from various local groups.
The Volunteer Fair came into being seven years ago. Cathy Burk and Jill Zacharias spearheaded the event while serving on the Community Futures Volunteer Committee.
“We have so many local organizations that need volunteers,” says Burke. “Several years ago, we noticed most of the groups were struggling to get the volunteers they needed.”
For potential volunteers, cold calling societies and organizations can be intimidating. Whereas, if those same groups were represented at an event, those interested in volunteering could make contacts and ask questions in a low pressure environment.
“We also really wanted to engage with newcomers in the community who are bringing with them strong and diverse skill sets,” says Burke. “Those skills can be very helpful to the societies. Some might be a one off, like helping with a website or design or construction, some might be volunteering five hours a month.”
The Spirit of Revelstoke awards have been around for six years, and was created as a way to recognize residents who go above and beyond for their community. Anyone can nominate a deserving friend, family member or co-worker.
The evening was catered by Revelstoke BBQ and Catering. Everyone was welcome, with the delicious dinner costing diners only five dollars. Over sixty people attended the dinner.
This year, Community Futures sponsored a contest for a new logo for the Spirit of Revelstoke. The prize money of five hundred dollars was won by Tammy Gillich for her beautiful design. Mayor Gary Sulz recognized Gillich, and had her reveal the new design to the event’s attendees. “I haven’t asked if she will share the winnings with me,” Sulz joked, “but I’m guessing not.”
Mayor Sulz the proceeded to hand out the awards for the Spirit of Revelstoke. “I would first like to thank everyone who received this award for your outstanding volunteerism, and I ask you to accept this small token of our appreciation,” said Sulz.
A complete list of winners is below along with a snippet of their nomination.
Angie Threatful “Angie has been a long time member of the Selkirk Saddle Club and is well respected by all of the club’s volunteers.”
Sarah Benoit “Not only does Sarah help with sorting operations (for the Food Connect Program)…she comes to each shift with and positive and outgoing attitude.”
Gillian Hewitt “Gillian has donated countless hours to the Revelstoke Museum and Archives…most recently editing the book ‘Revelstoke – Creating Community’…and provided closed captionings for the videos on the museum’s Land of Thundering Snow website.”
Jana Thompson “With all her connections and inherent collaborative approach to solving problems, our community is stronger.”
Carol Dolliver “This woman spends many hours each week helping to keep the Thrift Shop running smoothly both in the store front and the back.”
Gwynne Battersby “She has been involved in the Hospice Society from the very beginning…she is consistently committed to the mission and values of the Hospice Society.”
Phyllis Floyd “She has a unique way of identifying individual needs and how to support them (in the PALS program and palliative program.)
Ken Campbell “Ken has volunteered somewhere in the region of 400 hours to the Forestry Museum, as well as bringing his vast wealth of knowledge and experience to us.”
Kathy Inkster and Chris McMillan “Without any ties to Begbie View School, (they) have devoted (themselves) for years to this project (the breakfast club.) Kathy and Chris set an example to the community for volunteerism and involvement.”
Heather Pratt-Johnson “Heather’s contribution is special because she volunteers in the few hours she has between her four part-time jobs, and she does it all while smiling. Heather makes Revelstoke a better, safer, kinder community.”
Megan Tabor “She often hides in the shadows with her volunteer efforts, but she has sat on the Revelstoke Cycling Association for five + years..and was recently asked to sit on the Board of Directors for the Revelstoke Snowmobile Association… and regularly volunteers her time for various community volunteer call out events.”
Aaron Orlando, Chris Payne, Karl Jost, Mat Rebelo, and Matt Rebelo. “This group of gentlemen worked tirelessly to bring a new skatepark to our community. Their efforts and volunteer hours, put towards grant writing, fundraising and community engagement have not gone unnoticed.”
Congratulations to all the winners.
Spirit of Revelstoke Winners
Gillich’s winning design
The Revelstoke Cadets volunteered at the event
Well deserved wins ladies, congratulations!
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