News Release - July 19, 2013

Town of Qualicum Beach Honours Volunteers

Peter Drummond named recipient of 2013 Above and Beyond Volunteer Award

Qualicum Beach, BC – On Thursday, July 18, 2013, Town Council and staff, honoured community volunteers at the Town of Qualicum Beach Volunteer Appreciation Reception held at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre.

"Volunteerism is symbolic of everything that makes Qualicum Beach the great community it is, and will continue to be" said Mayor Westbroek. "The community is so fortunate to have volunteers who see a need and then have the commitment and dedication to try and meet it. The role of local government is to act as a facilitator and supporter to enable volunteerism," he added. The community benefits from a wealth of experience and talent amongst its residents who are willing to share of themselves. Council recognized the time and effort contributed to the Town by volunteers, including:

• Volunteers appointed by Council resolution to the Town's committees, commissions and boards;
• Volunteers nominated by a special event group, volunteer organization or non-profit association to represent their group at the event; and,
• Volunteers Council recognized for having individually made a significant contribution to the community during the past year.

The volunteer groups and committee members honoured this year are listed on the 2013 Volunteer Appreciation Recipients award displayed in the Town Hall foyer, with the Above and Beyond Volunteer Award plaque.

Highlights of the afternoon special event included:

• Above and Beyond Volunteer Award to Peter Drummond, chosen by Council from the worthy volunteers nominated by the public and Council
• Communities in Bloom Street Style Awards nominated and presented by Town staff to Linda Moore and John Fox for first place, Mr. and Mrs. Girard for second place and Bill and Diane Kinderwater for third place.
• "Best Blooming Business Award" to Mulberry Bush Book Store with second place to Qualicum Stationers and third place to Let's Knit.
• Drawing Irene Robson's name from the volunteers in attendance, to be the lucky winner of a variety of local gift certificates and gifts.

The afternoon closed with a sincere thank you from Council on behalf of the whole community and a challenge to introduce a friend to volunteering, keep up the good work, and keep making a difference.

Qualicum Beach volunteers are seen contributing year round to the vitality and closeness of the community:

• At the community's many special events
• In the partnerships to develop and operate facilities and services
• In youth programs, seniors programs, sports, heritage, arts and culture
• Greeting new residents and welcoming visitors
• Protecting our environment, and keeping our roads and neighbourhoods safe, and
• Providing advice to Council.

Contacts:

Heather Svensen Deputy Corporate Administrator Town of Qualicum Beach 1.250.752.6921 x.302 Hsvensen@qualicumbeach.com

Patricia Huntsman Cultural Development and Communications Town of Qualicum Beach 1.250.752.6921 ext. 312 communications@qualicumbeach.com

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