Four long time Chilliwack volunteers are being recognized for their service to Canada this week.
Carl Brownell, Douglas Harrison, William Higdon and Gerald McGladrey will receive the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers at a ceremony at Government House in Victoria Thursday afternoon.
Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, will present the award to 40 British Columbians on behalf of Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada.
The Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers “recognizes the exceptional volunteer achievements of Canadians from across the country in a wide range of fields.”
As an official Canadian honour, the Medal for Volunteers incorporates and replaces the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award, created in 1995, by then-governor general Roméo LeBlanc. The medal builds on the legacy and spirit of the Caring Canadian Award by honouring the dedication and commitment of volunteers.
About the Chilliwack recipients:
Carl Brownell – In addition to serving for four decades with the local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, Carl Brownell has spent considerable time speaking with students about remembrance. He played a key role in erecting the Piper Richardson Memorial Statue in Chilliwack in 2003.
Douglas Harrison – Dividing his time among several organizations, notably the Kiwanis Club and the local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, Douglas Harrison has demonstrated a relentless dedication to service over the past 30 years.
William Higdon – A dedicated supporter of seniors, veterans and youth, William Higdon has been with the local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion for nearly two decades, and served as its president for eight years. He helped organize a Wounded Warriors Canada Weekend in Chilliwack in 2015, and is involved with the local army cadet corps.
Gerald McGladrey – A long-serving volunteer with the local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, Gerry McGladrey has put his culinary skills to use for nearly 20 years, serving meals for numerous legion events and fundraisers. He has supported minor hockey teams for two decades.