The second annual Spirit of Revelstoke awards honoured volunteerism in the community, honouring 25 residents with two group and eight individual awards that were presented at an Oct. 5 ceremony held in conjunction with the Revelstoke Volunteer Fair. Here’s a listing of the award recipients:
Ken Nelles got the nod for developing the St. Peter’s Good Will Shoppe into a successful charity that donates to a number of social programs.
Cindy Pearce spearheaded the Home for the Hunts project, which brought the Habitat for Humanity organization to Revelstoke and raised about $200,000 in donations for the charitable housing project. Fellow volunteers cited her tireless enthusiasm, commitment and perseverance.
Teacher George Winingder was cited for his patient, reliable and dedicated help with the English as a Second Language Settlement Assistance Program at Okanagan College where he teaches English to newcomers.
Taryn Walker was recognized for her work creating the Stoke Youth Network and her participation on the Columbia Basin Trust Youth Advisory Committee, as well as the RSS Student Leadership Council.
Peter Zmaeff volunteers at the thrift store, Royal Canadian Legion and with the CPR Pensioners, and does it all with a smile.
BR Whalen’s leadership skills were honoured. She’s served as president of the Revelstoke Multicultural Society and helped create the Carousel of Nations event.
Bridget Daughney was awarded for her commitment to adult literacy, serving as a volunteer with Okanagan College’s Adult Literacy Volunteer Tutor program.
Sydney White was recognized for her caring and dedicated work with several volunteer organizations, including the OPT Clinic, RMR ski patrol, first aid volunteering, the Parks Canada flower project, the Freeski World tour and as a foster parent for dogs.
The Home for the Hunts Team received a group award for their outstanding contribution to the pilot project that is creating a new Habitat for Humanity home in Revelstoke. Recipients are Tuulikki Tennant, Joel Olson, Bob Fournier, Dean Prunkle, Gregg Walker, Bill Shuttleworth, Geoff Battersby, Dana Cloghesy, Fran Prunkle and Pam Doyle, as well as Cindy Pearce, who was honoured individually for bringing the project to Revelstoke.
Finally, the North Columbia Environmental Society board of directors was honoured for their operations and expanding role in the community, including directors’ work on individual portfolios. Recipients are Erin Wilkins, Jennifer Greenwood, Rowland Bell, Sarah Newton and Melissa Hemphill.
The Oct. 5 volunteer fair featured dozens of booths and lots of volunteer opportunities available to future Spirit of Revelstoke award winners.