Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal 2016 recipients
(Medal presentations April 24, 2017)
Michelle Al-Katib (White City)
A pillar of her community, Michelle Al-Katib has touched the lives of hundreds of youth across an array of interests. Considered an extended mother figure to many, she has a nurturing and comforting spirit and endless a capacity for kindness. Her passion for children’s literacy will ensure that future generations will continue to benefit from her generosity. Her contributions include:
- Former Chair, School Community Council, WS Hawrylak School
- Team Manager, Regina Minor Football
- Director, Regina Minor Football
- Director, South Saskatchewan Selects Football Program
- Director, Regina Riot
- Canadian Red Cross Imagine No Bullying campaign advocate
- Member, Canadian Red Cross Tiffany Circle
- Member, Canadian Red Cross Red Gala Committee
- Child literacy advocate & literacy volunteer, Kitchener Community School
- Purchased & donated hundreds of books for Kitchener Community School
Mal Barber (Weyburn)
For more than 40 years Mal Barber's concern for people has been demonstrated through his altruistic dedication to making his community a better place to live. As a business owner, Mal uses what he has - his time, resources and his place of business - generously sponsoring events such as rodeos, golf tournaments, fiddling competitions, music festivals, and the Weyburn Women of the Year event. Other achievements and awards include:
- Founding Member and Chairperson, Weyburn and District Hospital Foundation
- President, Rotary International of Weyburn
- Member, Paul J. Hill School of Business Leadership Council
- Board of Governors, University of Regina
- Volunteer- ENACTUS- Princes Operation Entrepreneur project
- Chair, Weyburn MS Walk, and Provincial MS Board Member
- Chair, Weyburn Caravan Society providing transportation for mobility challenged
- President, Saskatchewan Auto Dealers Association
- Board Member, Federal Auto Dealers Association
- President, Weyburn Silver Seals Speed Swimming Club
- Chair, Zone 1 Speed Swim Team 1992, 1996 Summer Games
- Coach, Official and Board Member, Minor Hockey, Minor Baseball and Fastball
- Member, Weyburn Grace United Church Board/Finance Committee
- President, Weyburn Chamber of Commerce
- Board Member, Saskatchewan Mental Health Assoc. Weyburn Branch
- Spear-headed a project to build school latrines in Madurai, India for 3500 needy students
- Volunteer, Meals on Wheels- meal delivery for shut-ins
- Provides drivers/van for church functions and community events
- Fundraised for the installation of a wheelchair ramp, elevator and roof at his church
- Recipient, Weyburn Chamber of Commerce Golden Spike Award
Scott Boyes (La Ronge)
Scott Boyes is a truly committed community builder and volunteer. He encourages the participation of local youth in the activities in which he is involved, particularly those that are in most need of the benefits participation can bring. Whether assuming a formal role, or just chipping in where needed, Scott has given countless hours of his time and his dedication goes beyond what many would consider a volunteer role. His achievements include:
- Coach for youth hockey, baseball, and biathlon
- Board member, La Ronge minor hockey, judo club, ski club and the Don Allen Saskaloppet, Saskatchewan’s largest ski race
- Member, Kikinahnk Friendship Centre Board
- Founding Member, La Ronge Recycling Centre
- Chair, Cadet Sponsoring Committee and fundraising
- Cadet Instructor Cadre, and CO of 889 Osprey RCACS, teaching citizenship and leadership skills to youth
- Big Brother, Lloydminster Big Brothers Association
- Director, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 371
- President, Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association
- Chair, 2008 Western Canadian Cross-Country Ski Championships
- Director, La Ronge Chamber of Commerce
- Recipient, Faye Pacey Memorial Award for hockey volunteerism
Shirley Frydenlund (Allan)
Shirley Frydenlund has been volunteering in her community for more than 40 years, planning and coordinating many programs and projects. She has made the Community of Allan a better place to live through her time, commitment, patience, care, support and positive attitude. Her achievements include:
- Founding Member/Treasurer/Administrator, Allan Community Heritage Society and Museum
- Trains volunteers, catalogues artifacts, plans fundraisers and coordinates a summer children’s program for the Allan Museum
- Oversees and coordinates Allan Cultures Days for the Allan Heritage Society and Museum
- Involved with compiling local histories and newsletters
- Committee Member, Allan School 100th birthday celebration, 2013
- Committee Member, Town of Allan 100th birthday celebration, 2010
- Co-chair, Allan Community Celebrates 2005 Committee
- Co-chair, Allan and District 2000 Committee
- Chairman, Allan and District Heritage Committee 1985
- Executive Committee Member and Activities Secretary , Allan Celebrate Saskatchewan Committee 1980
- Chairman/Organizer, Allan Craft Show and Trade Fair
- Board Member, Local and Regional Library
- School and library volunteer
Paul S. Jasper (Saskatoon)
Paul Jaspar is an enthusiastic and committed volunteer who has and continues to make a remarkable contribution to the quality of life in the city of Saskatoon and our province. His character is conveyed through his professionalism, consistency, dedication, and his deep and abiding commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. His achievements and awards include:
- Chairman, Saskatoon Municipal Review Commission
- Member, Bid Committee for 2007 World University Games
- Member, University of Saskatchewan Senate
- Treasurer, 1989 Jeux Canada Games Society (Saskatoon) Inc.
- President, Saskatoon Chartered Accountants Association
- Treasurer, Saskatoon Executive Club
- President, Saskatoon Jaycees
- Board of Directors for : Saskatchewan Pension Plan, Saskatchewan Real Estate Commission, 1989 Jeux Canada Games Foundation Inc., City of Saskatoon, Pension Administration Board, Saskatoon Centennial Auditorium Convention Centre Corporation, 1991 World Junior Hockey Championship, Persephone Theatre, Bridge House Inc., Saskatoon Press Club, Saskatoon Public Library
- Co-established the Canada Games Foundation to support future sporting requests
- Chair, Public Liability Insurance Committee of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants
- Recipient, B'Nai Brith We Are Proud of You Award, 2014
- Recipient, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Saskatchewan Fellowship
Helene Kesten (Regina)
Helene Kesten represents what is best about Saskatchewan. She has dedicated three decades to improving the lives of those around her and bridging the cultural, educational and religious gaps that can divide communities. Helene has been an innovative visionary who works at the grassroots level with existing organizations, and creates new ones when needed, in order to serve the needs of Regina’s diverse population. Her accomplishments include:
- Board Trustee and Sisterhood Volunteer, Beth Jacob Synagogue
- Committee Member, Beth Jacob Synagogue Cemetery Committee
- Committee Member, Lieutenant Governor’s Prayer Breakfast Committee
- Subcommittee Member, Regina Multi Faith Forum
- Secured a grant for a seniors’ lunch and learn program at the Beth Jacob Synagogue
- Secured a grant to refurbish the Lipton Jewish Cemetery
- Coordinated an annual city-wide Holocaust K-12 education program in partnership with both Regina school systems
- Partners with the Regina Public Library to organize an annual “Jewish Film Festival” offered free to the public
- Recipient, Sovereigns Medal for Volunteers
- Recipient, Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
- Recipient, Saskatchewan Centennial Medal\
Eugene Paquin (Saskatoon)
Eugene Paquin is an invaluable volunteer contributor, collaborator, and leader. His diverse professional, educational and volunteer experience combined with his vision helps to ensure that Saskatchewan is a great place to live. Eugene is a passionate advocate for the organizations he so diligently works with, ensuring the voices of the most vulnerable continue to be heard. His contributions include:
- Member, Board of Revision for the City of Saskatoon
- Member, Tourism Saskatchewan, Tourism Saskatoon and Tourism Regina
- Past Regional Chairman, People to People Petition for Canadian Unity
- Charter Member, Weyburn Jaycees
- Secretary-Treasurer, Prairie Region Jaycees (National Executive)
- Past Vice-President, Saskatchewan Youth Heritage Fairs
- Volunteer/Performer, Sing-Out Saskatoon, 1971 Winter Games
- Member, Royal Canadian Legion
- Charter Member, Holy Spirit Knights of Columbus
- Member, Pastoral Council, Holy Spirit Parish
- Member , DISC- Disability Income Support Coalition
- Board Member and Government Relations Chair, MS Society of Canada
- Member, University of Saskatchewan Regional Advisory Council
- Member, Interprovincial Association on Native Employment (IANE)
- Member, National Association of Secondary School Principals
- Public Representative to self-regulating professional health organizations (SCRT, SAMRT)
- Member, Carers Canada
- Respondent, Canadian Disability Strategy Hearings
- Steering Committee Member, Barrier Free Saskatchewan
- Member, Citizens Consultation Team re: Design of the Saskatchewan Disability Strategy
- Member, Multiple Sclerosis Advisory Panel (Saskatchewan)
- Recipient, Saskatchewan Centennial Medal
Vincent Somogyi (Willowbrook)
Vincent Somogyi is a leader in the community of Willowbrook. He has volunteered for a number of organizations, including the Willowbrook Lions Club and Willowbrook Rec Board to help create a dynamic and viable community. Vincent's dedication has ensured these organizations continue to thrive. His achievements include:
- President, Willowbrook Minor Sports
- President, Willowbrook Curling Club
- Charter Member/Executive positions/Fundraising Chair, Willowbrook Lions Club
- President, Willowbrook Rec Board and Community Centre
- Coach, Youth Baseball
- Volunteer fundraiser for curling rink
- Assists in maintenance, operation and janitorial duties for the curling rink
- Instrumental in forming, operating, and acquiring the building for the Willowbrook Community Center
- Organized children’s bonspiel
Robert Dumur (Pasqua lake)*
Robert Dumur is an extraordinary volunteer leader. As the former Honorary Colonel of the Royal Regina Rifles his contributions to that unit were exceptional. By supporting our veterans and promoting the history and the traditions of the Regiment he tied our veterans to the young soldiers of today. His impact was clearly felt through unit retention, strong relationships between the Canadian Armed Forces and the public, and the enduring legacy of the Royal Regina Rifles. His accomplishments include:
- Former Honorary Colonel, Royal Regina Rifles
- Former President, Royal Regina Rifles Trust
- Former President, Royal Regina Rifles Senate
- Past Member, Friends of the Saskatchewan Dragoons
- Past Board Member, Prairie Valley School Board
- Past Volunteer, Prairie Storm Minor Hockey
- Volunteer, White City Parks and Recreation Board
- Past Member, Kinsmen Club
- Director, Canadian Forces Liaison Council
- Director, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Association
- Establishing an outdoor memorial park to recognize the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)
- Procured military artifacts and donated them to Saskatchewan Military Museum
- Organized sponsorship for 150 military personnel to attend Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Day Mess Dinner
- Privately funded overseas historical tours for two deserving Royal Regina Rifle members every year
- Organized CAF Appreciation events, Remembrance Day activities, Annual Regimental 6 June D-Day activities, and open houses
- Contributed to spouses volunteer efforts, including Centennial Celebrations, Freedom of the City Gala, Ken Goff Memorial Boxing Classic
- Actively volunteers with Pasqua First Nation social events
Audrey Heit (Kindersley)*
Audrey Heit is a warm, thoughtful, and dependable person who is also described as “one hard-working volunteer”. She is committed to making her community a better place with her time and efforts through local volunteerism. From the Food Bank to the curling club, Audrey freely gives of her time wherever it is needed. Her accomplishments and awards include:
- Volunteer, Kindersley Museum
- Volunteer, Kindersley Royal Canadian Legion Branch #57
- Volunteer, Kindersley and District Food Bank
- Volunteer, Kindersley Curling Club
- Volunteer, Meals on Wheels
- Assists Royal Canadian Legion Branch with annual Remembrance Day service
- Collects Goodbye to Hunger bags from local stores and helps arrange food hampers at the collection depot
- Recipient, Kindersley Citizen of the Year, 2016-17 (KBEX Awards)
*Robert Dumur and Audrey Heit will receive their medals and have their official portraits taken at a later date.