Clinton Volunteer Recognition
A wine and cheese reception was held in the Clinton Memorial Hall on February 13, to thank all the volunteers who add so much to life in Clinton. Mayor Jim Rivett named some of the many volunteer organizations, adding his thanks to all who have contributed to the community.
Cathy McLeod, MP for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo, expressed her appreciation to volunteers who help get things done in our communities. Jackie Tegart, MLA for Fraser-Nicola, also expressed gratitude for volunteers. She stated that small communities don’t have the budgets and staff that larger centres do, so it is the volunteers who make up the difference and get things done.
Sally Watson, TNRD Area E Representative, thanked the volunteers for all their hard work. Everyone was invited to enjoy the fabulous tables full of goodies that had been prepared.
2015 Citizen of the Year
Mayor Rivett called up Jim and Lois Thompson, the 2014 Citizens of the Year, to introduce this year’s recipient at the Volunteer Recognition/Volunteer of the Year Event.
Lois named the many people and groups who have benefited from knowing the recipient, including the Ashcroft Hospital Extended Care, the Clinton Seniors’ Home, the Bonaparte and Canoe Creek Elders, the PAC annual fundraiser, the Métis fundraiser, and various Clinton residents who have received afghans made by this person from donated yarn, as well as the many organizations the person has participated in.
These include The Clinton and District Assisted Living Society, where this person literally phoned every number in the Clinton directory to conduct a survey on the need for such a facility; David Stoddart School with the one-to-one reading program, help with the lunch program, and adult literacy; the setting up of displays, assisting visitors, and managing daily cash receipts for the Clinton Museum; and volunteering annually at the Old Timers’ Tea in May.
As Lois outlined the involvement in the Clinton Seniors’ Association, St. Peter’s Church, and the monthly articles in both The Ashcroft-Cache Creek Journal and The Clinton Lariat, everyone knew she was referring to none other than Zee Chevalier.
As her name was announced, 19 members of her family came out of a back room to surprise her. Zee’s four sisters, five daughters and their husbands, two grandchildren, and one great-grandchild came to share in the celebration. One daughter came all the way from Toronto to attend.
Zee was (almost) at a loss for words. She said there were more deserving people to receive this recognition than her. There were a few tears, lots of hugs and photos, and lots of well wishers. As someone who has worked with Zee, I know that this recognition is well-deserved. Congratulations Zee!
Following the Citizen of the Year presentation Mayor Rivett introduced the team that had put the whole evening together—volunteers Daniela Dyck, Nancy Rempel, Diana Guerin, Clare Warner, and Val Bissat—and then the numbers for the numerous donated door prizes were drawn.