The Rotary Club of Quesnel recently presented certificates of appreciation honouring local residents and organizations for their work in Rotary’s areas of focus, including health, environment, education, poverty reduction and peace.
A community awards luncheon was held Thursday, June 16, at the Royal Canadian Legion.
“I think, like all the other club members, we’re humbled by the work that these people do,” said Quesnel Rotary secretary Simon Turner.
“We’re a volunteer organization and we just like to do good things for the community, and then you’ve got these examples of other people doing amazing work within the community, from the staff at G.R. Baker Hospital to the Baker Creek Enhancement Society.”
A certificate of appreciation was presented to the Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation, west of Quesnel, who, after a 20-year wait, tapped into clean drinking water last year thanks to a new water treatment plant.
The Baker Creek Enhancement Society was recognized for its efforts in protecting the environment and the Literacy Quesnel Society for supporting basic education and literacy.
For their service above and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rotary Club of Quesnel and the Rotary Foundation presented a certificate of appreciation to the staff of G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital.
Also receiving certificates of appreciation were the North Cariboo Métis Association for their work in peace and conflict resolution, and Canadian Tire in Quesnel for their support in donating Christmas lights to the fire-damaged Village of Lytton.
Nicky Bartel was honoured for her work in maternal and child health.
“These are groups that probably haven’t been recognized or haven’t been completely appreciated for their work,” Turner noted.
“So for Rotary to have that opportunity, it’s a reward in itself for us, and it’s very important to make sure that people get acknowledged for the work they’ve been doing.”
The Rotary Club of Quesnel is currently hosting its Get Flocked! Fundraiser supporting the Starfish Backpack program, which provides food to hungry students each weekend of the school year.
Turner said planning is underway for the Quesnel Craft Beer Festival in October.
Read More: After a heartbreaking year, Lytton’s Christmas lights return with assist from Quesnel
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