Nominations for the 2024 South Cariboo Citizen of the Year are now open.
The South Cariboo Citizen of the Year is an award which is sponsored by Donna Barnett and Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Lorne Doerkson, an honour bestowed on a volunteer for their commitment and dedication to making the South Cariboo a better place. Barnett says that without volunteers, the South Cariboo wouldn't have much of a community.
"We all know that our communities have basically been built from the good old days by volunteers, and they're still creating social and economic well-being for everybody," Barnett said.
To nominate someone for the South Cariboo Citizen of the Year award, a form needs to be filled out with the person's name, address, phone number, and reasons for their nomination. In addition, the form asks ideally how the nominee has given their time and resources to enrich the lives of South Cariboo residents, and encourages people to attach letters of support, news articles, as well as other relevant information that provides additional information to support their nomination.
The award is for exceptional people who are not remunerated for their own work. Finally, previous winners of Citizens of the Year, are not eligible to be nominated again.
Nomination forms can be picked up at the South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce office, the simplymastery office, or can be downloaded from the South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce Facebook page and website. Nominations can be dropped off at the South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce office or emailed to d_barnett@shaw.ca.
Barnett says that the award dates back to the 1970s, but stopped being given out before the Chamber of Commerce picked it back up in the late 80s.
"It's been going on since 1986," Barnett added.
After the nomination period closes on June 1, the winner will be selected by past Citizen of the Year award winners. Barnett noted that being considered for such an award is a high distinction.
"Get your nominations in because people deserve the recognition, and for those that receive the recognition, even if they don't receive the award, it is an honour to just be nominated, to know that people recognise what you're doing for them and for the communities," Barnett added.
The deadline to submit nominations is June 1, with the award set to be given out on July 1 during the 108 Heritage Site Canada Day celebrations. Last year's winner was Mildred 'Millie' Halcro.
