by PAUL RAYNER

Although at times it might have seemed to be a struggle, the Boissevain & District Chamber of Commerce will be able to look back at a successful first annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon.

Awards were given in eight different categories by the Chamber at their meeting on May 27. Each individual or group was nominated by members of the community for their contribution to the life of Boissevain and Morton, with plaques going to the winners in the categories and certificates of achievement to those others nominated.

Chamber President Donna Fraser gave a brief history of the endeavor at the beginning of the awards ceremony. As she explained, the idea originally came from Stuart Olmstead of Carberry, who handles the Chamber insurance policy. The idea of a Chamber of Commerce honouring volunteers had been tried, and had worked, in Carberry, and there was a feeling it was a concept worth exporting. The Chamber felt so as well, as Boissevain is a volunteer driven community.

“Many of our members felt it was worthwhile to do,” Fraser explained. “We did not get a big response at first but we did get more. It was sometimes difficult to make a decision, and hopefully next year, you will make our job even harder.”

As Fraser explained, the purpose was as simple as a pat on the back.

“Volunteers are getting used up. We need to encourage them so their effort is not unnoticed. You make things happen in our community.”

The first honoured was Corey Trumbley, the Youth Volunteer. The only nominee in the category, he received two separate nominations, which Fraser highlighted. Within Boissevain School, Trumbley serves as the Student Government Prime Minister overseeing events and meetings of the senior high student body. He is a member of the Youth in Philanthropy program, is a peer helper, on the Reach for the Top team, drama and helped start the scrabble club. As well, he volunteers his time to play poker with residents of Westview Lodge, at the Boissevain Community Theatre, and mentors younger children, most recently in archery.

Four people were nominated for volunteer of the year – Euniece Wilbee, Bethany Hicks, Allan Bessant and Ellen Martens. It was Wilbee chosen for the award. In her nomination, her long years of service with the Legion Auxiliary were spotlighted, including many hospital visits, and helping the organization members in all of their endeavors. A member of St. Paul’s United Church Choir, she participates in all of the services at Westview Lodge when it is their turn. Every week, she picks up a church bulletin for a special friend, and takes her out for lunch on Mondays. Wilbee takes people for medical visits, and as her nomination stated, "does everything cheerfully.”
Pete and Mary Derksen were awarded the Citizen of the Year plaque. They were primarily nominated due to their efforts with the Boissevain Food Pantry. For many years, they have been responsible for getting the food to the pantry, which was a considerable effort when it was located in the basement of the Civic Centre – many trips downstairs loaded with food and many back up with loads of undistributed perishables. Due to parking situations, they often had to carry for long distances. Art Peters was also nominated for the award.

George Dyck was chosen for the Lifetime Achievement Award. Described as a tireless worker and promoter of the community, he has been involved in a multitude of efforts in Boissevain. One of the originators of the Turtle Derby, he also worked on its successor, the Turtle Island Festival. He was involved in the 50th, 75th and 100th anniversaries of the community, as well as the millennium committee. A major booster of the local Chamber, he also served on the executive of the Manitoba Chamber. The other worthy nominee for the award was Al Pearen.

The Boissevain Kinsmen Club and the Recycling Group were both nominated for the Community Group Award of Recognition, with the recyclers receiving the plaque. The volunteers work two days a week at the centre, with 31 volunteers on the register and an average of 21 each day. They sort into baskets, boxes and balers, all of the recyclables, including boxboard, cardboard, tin aluminum, paper and various plastics. Last year, the group received an A+ rating for its recycling efforts, averaging 97.3 kgs per person, twenty kgs more than necessary for the rating. About 150 to 160 metric tonnes of material is shipped out each year, keeping it out of the landfill site.

Marc Loewen of Copperman Electrical was awarded the Business of the Year (new) for his high quality of work and dedication to customer satisfaction. Western Archrib was named Business of the Year (old). Recently celebrating their 20th anniversary since purchasing the Dring plant, the business employs approximately 45 people in a variety of jobs ranging from engineers to laborers. Manufacturing product across North America, in 2007, they shipped from Long Island, NY, to Victoria, BC and from Texas to Rankin Inlet.

Howard Dalrymple was given the Sports and Recreation Award. A major volunteer in sports for many years, his time has included coaching 10 years in both Minor Hockey and Baseball, 20 or more years of refereeing and umpiring, serving as league president in Minor Hockey and League rep in baseball, and bringing provincial playoffs to Boissevain in both sports. He served as chair of the Westman Baseball Council, and one of his biggest achievements was playing a major role in bringing both the Westman summer and winter Regional Games to Boissevain. Neil Bugg was also nominated for this award.

According to Fraser, the experience was a good one and pointed to more success in the future.

“I think we have really had a good start,” she stated. “We have very excellent volunteers in our community.”

The person who brought the idea was also happy with the results. Olmstead attended the first volunteer event, and felt it served its purpose.

“In a small town everything is run by volunteers,” Olmstead explained. “It is important to recognize even a few local heroes. It is a good place to start. The hardest thing in Canada and Manitoba and especially rural areas is to give ourselves a pat on the back. It is important to say thank you for your efforts.”

“It is especially important for the Chamber to do it, because these are the people who spend money at your business and in your community.”

Sid Braybrook, general manager of the winning Western Archrib, was also impressed.

“I think it’s great for people and businesses to be recognized for their efforts in the community,” Braybrook said. “I hope this continues annually and continues to grow. There are a tremendous amount of volunteers in Boissevain, and they are an integral part of the community.”

Fraser said the event could certainly grow in the future.

“The number of categories was a good start for now,” she said, “and we’ll see next year. This one has been quite productive.”