Okanagan Falls resident Ed Findlater was awarded B.C.'s newest citizenship medal at a small ceremony in Okanagan Falls, Thursday, March 23, 2017.

(STEVE ARSTAD / iNFOnews.ca)

OKANAGAN FALLS - The province paid homage to one of Okanagan Falls’ leading citizens with it’s newest honour, the Medal of Good Citizenship, in a brief ceremony in the community today.

Ed Findlater is one of only 35 citizens to receive the award since it’s inception in 2015. The medal was created to recognize individuals for their long-term volunteer efforts in making contributions to their communities, making Findlater an ideal candidate.

“I retired early, at 47, and needed things to do,” Findlater said today, March 23, prior to accepting the award from Boundary Similkameen MLA Linda Larson in the Club Room at Okanagan Falls Elementary School.

Findlater, now 81, has spent the last 34 years volunteering for a long list of organizations in Penticton and Okanagan Falls.

Topping that list is the Royal Canadian Legion where Findlater has held every executive position.

Volunteer organizations that have benefited from Findlater’s spirit include the Penticton Red Cross, The Legacy Fund, Okanagan Falls Helping Hands, St. Johns Ambulance, the United Church, the RCMP Auxiliary, Ironman Canada, Citizens on Patrol, the Special Olympics and the Okanagan Falls Visitor Centre.

Findlater says his favourite aspect of volunteer work is meeting others interested in assisting the community.

“There are so many great people. There’s not enough money to pay people to do the work, volunteers have to fill in. There is so much opportunity,” he says.

Findlater has received medals in the past for his volunteer efforts from the Governor General and the Lieutenant Governor General.

“It’s very rewarding. It’s the first time I’ve been recognized by the province. This is exciting,” he says.

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News from © iNFOnews, 2017