Four people from Chilliwack and Kent were awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for their "outstanding" work in the community, a local MLA said.
Bradley Gionet, Jason Lum, Sylvia Pranger and Julie Unger were honoured during a ceremony at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on Tuesday, Sept. 3.
Chilliwack-Kent MLA Kelli Paddon presented the medals to the four recipients that day. She said she was "overwhelmed" with the response, after inviting the public to suggest people to be nominated.
"I was really hoping that I'd be able to recognize at least one person in Chilliwack. So I was blown away when I was given the opportunity to recognize four," Paddon said.
Recipients must have made a "significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community of Canada, or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada," according to the criteria.
The medal was created to mark the coronation of King Charles III, which took place on May 6, 2023. It is the first Canadian commemorative medal to mark a coronation. It was launched by Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and recognizes those who have made significant contributions to Canada and their home province.
"It's an honour to recognize these incredible members of our community with these awards," Paddon said. "Each of these individuals is a testament to how one person can make a difference, and I'm so grateful for all they do in their communities."
Unger is the executive director at Chilliwack Society for Community Living and was recognized for her work with people with developmental disabilities. Since 1984, she has built an inclusive community in Chilliwack – and in other communities throughout the province – by helping people with diverse abilities gain employment, independent living and more.
District of Kent Mayor Pranger was honoured for her tireless service to her community. Paddon said Pranger has dedicated her energy and passion to improving support and infrastructure in Agassiz. She is also an active volunteer, and a strong advocate making sure that rural issues are heard.
"Her dedication to community is truly unparalleled," Paddon said.
City of Chilliwack councillor Lum has nearly two decades of experience in senior level community development, local and regional governance, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. He is also chair of the Fraser Valley Regional District and was recognized for his work during the Fraser Valley floods three years ago.
“Jason's work and actions during the 2021 B.C. flooding event significantly helped to protect the support of community and surrounding areas,” Paddon said. "He was making all the noise he needed to make."
Gionet, a local community advocate, received the King Charles III Coronation Medal for supporting Ukrainians fleeing the war. For the past two and a half years, he has volunteered with Ukrainians on the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel, facilitating housing and opportunities for displaced Ukrainians across the Fraser Valley.
The four local recipients were some of 30,000 who were awarded the medal. People could be nominated by some of the dozens of partner organizations, including provincial governments, RCMP, and the Canadian Armed Forces.
The medal was approved by the King and manufactured by the Royal Canadian Mint. It is attached to a ribbon featuring dark blue, bright red and white stripes, identical to the United Kingdom’s Coronation Medal ribbon.
