Longtime South Cariboo resident and volunteer Mildred 'Millie' Halcro is the 2023 South Cariboo Citizen of the Year.
Halcro was one of seven nominees put forward this year by members of the community. Her win was announced at this year's Canada Day celebration at the 108 Heritage Site by Donna Barnett, on behalf of the South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce, and Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Lorne Doerkson. Following the announcement, Halcro was visibly emotional as she embraced her fellow nominees and graciously accepted the award.
"I'm totally surprised and overwhelmed, of course. It was great and Lorne Doerkson, my goodness, he's a very special MLA for our community," Halcro, 79, said.
"I'm honoured to be chosen."
A resident of the South Cariboo since 1953, Halcro has a long track record of being involved in the community. Barnett even asked in jest, while reading off a list of Halcro's volunteer work, if there was anything she didn't do. Prior to her retirement she was most well known as working as a bank teller at the Royal Bank.
Over the years Halcro has done volunteer work for several organizations. She helped the Cedar Crest Society For Community Living get off the ground for many years and volunteered at their thrift shop.
In sports, she became a regular scorekeeper for the 100 Mile Fastball League, taking over from her mother who was very passionate about the ball games until passing away in 2010. At the 100 Mile House Curling Club she regularly helps out selling drinks and food during bonspiels and volunteers with the 100 Mile Festival of the Arts.
"I really support the golf clubs, the 108 Ladies Golf Club and the 108 Seniors Golf Club. I'm treasurer for those clubs and we look after the seniors club on Thursdays," Halcro said. "We have a really good membership, we have 64 members this year and they are so supportive on Thursdays. We've had between 41 and 43 men and women (playing golf) every Thursday."
Halcro took the time to congratulate the other nominees whose names were put forward including Brian Brown, Nicole Blades, Brenda Devine, Courtney White, Shannon Sadlowski and Lori Fry. Listening to all the things they do for the community was inspiring for Halcro and she thinks each of them deserves to be Citizen of the Year as well. She hopes that the example she and the other nominees set will inspire more people to volunteer in the community.
"Everyone that can volunteer please be there. Our little town has so much to offer for events that are going on and they need volunteers," Halcro said.
Doerkson echoed Halcro's words, praising those on stage and those who were unable to attend for the good work they do.
"The work and devotion to our community is absolutely incredible and it happens all throughout the riding. These are great people up here and we are so proud to have you all nominated this year," Doerkson said.
