In a surprise ceremony at the Billy Barker Sept. 19, North Cariboo MLA Coralee Oakes presented a King Charles III coronation medal to Quesnel Chamber of Commerce president Rick Wittner for his significant contribution to the community.
There are 30,000 people across all of Canada who have received the medals and Oakes said it was one of the proudest things she has had the privilege of doing as MLA.
"Whenever there is somebody that needs a helping hand, Rick is always the first person that steps up and helps," Oakes said.
Dozens of people filled the room and Oakes thanked them for keeping the secret from Wittner who was told it was a volunteer appreciation night. When Oakes said she was presenting the medal to the president of the Cariboo Mining Association, the room broke into laughter and applause as Wittner realized what was happening.
Wittner thanked Oakes and everyone who attended for their support for placer, small businesses and the Chamber of Commerce.
