Bernice Heinzelman has devoted her time and considerable talents to, among others; the Quesnel Multi-Centre Fundraising Committee; the Quesnel and District Community Arts Council; the Interior Regional Arts Council; the Quesnel Theatre Action Group; Friends of the Library Society; Climate Change Action Group; and the Quesnel Multi – Cultural Society.
These are the public signs of a service -oriented life. But beyond what we are accustomed to seeing, there are many more small acts of kindness, community spirit and vision, lived out quietly and consistently each day.
Bernice was nominated for the Paul Harris award by Community Futures and part of their nomination reports that “Bernice has been an active and committed volunteer for Community Futures since April 2005. She regularly attends Community Futures Board meetings and events and always brings a positive view to Board discussions. She is reliable and consistent, always working hard to move things along. Bernice is a benefit to our board and community.”
Lily Tomlin, celebrity and activist once said, “ I always wondered why somebody didn’t do something about that: then I realized that I was ‘somebody.’” Bernice is definitely ‘somebody’!
The Paul Harris Fellowship Award is one of the most prestigious awards in Rotary. Named after the founder of Rotary International, it is intended to recognize a life that exemplifies commitment to compassion, ethical principles and a demonstrated dedication to the Rotary ideal of “service above self.”
On behalf of the Rotary Club of Quesnel, president Keith Corbett presented the award to Bernice. Along with this award, a donation has been made in her name to the Rotary Foundation for their work in education, shelter, health care, literacy and other projects in the world that inspire hope and peace. In accepting this award, Bernice joins the company of other great humanitarians like Mother Theresa, Indira Ghandi and Nelson Mandela.