Image Credit: (SOURCE/City of Kelowna)
January 15, 2013 - 4:26 PM
Three Kelowna citizens received a rare honour yesterday for their outstanding service to community when they were bestowed with the Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Former Kelowna Mayor Jim Stuart, Kelowna General Hospital Auxiliary volunteer Chrissie Leathley and philanthropist Thomas Budd are among people across Canada being recognized for their outstanding efforts.
Council nominated the three recipients and presented their medals during the regular council meeting Jan. 14.
"Jim Stuart, Chrissie Leathley and Thomas Budd - in their individual ways - have devoted themselves to making Kelowna a better place," said Mayor Walter Gray. "They are generous, giving people who care about our city and tirelessly contribute to its betterment."
With 77 years of commitment to the hospital, Leathley is described as the KGH Foundation's "ultimate volunteer". She began as a student at the Kelowna Hospital School of Nursing in 1935 and was among the group organizing the Kelowna Hospital Auxiliary in 1963. She continues to work on behalf of the hospital and its patients today.
Stuart has 31 years in local government under his belt including 15 years as chairman of the Regional District of Central Okanagan and his ten years as mayor. He volunteered his time and effort for the Kelowna General Hospital, the B.C. Transit Authority and B.C. Tree Fruits.
Budd created the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation that cares for children in other countries through War Child Canada, East Meets West orphanage in India and the Watoto Mission for Children in Uganda, after retiring as an investment banker in 2008. He has also provided funding to more than two dozen local non-profit organizations to support community needs.
The Queen's medal is part of celebrations that began in 2012 to commemorate Queen's Elizabeth's 60th anniversary on the throne. The office of the governor general of Canada oversees the medal approval process.
During the year of celebrations, 60,000 Canadians are being recognized.
News from © iNFOnews, 2013