PRESENTATION OF SASKATCHEWAN VOLUNTEER MEDAL MARCH 30

Released on March 30, 1998

Six citizens received the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal from

Lieut.-Gov. John Wiebe at a special ceremony at the Legislature on the

afternoon of March 30. The recipients, selected by the Saskatchewan

honours advisory council from nominations received from the public in

1997, were presented to the lieutenant governor by their local MLAs.

The recipients are:



Ann Coxworth, of Saskatoon, a leader in the environmental

movement in Saskatchewan and Canada (presented by Lynda

Haverstock, MLA for Saskatoon Greystone);



Ralph Hjertaas, of Prince Albert, community volunteer with

seniors and people with disabilities (presented by Myron

Kowalsky, MLA for Prince Albert Carlton);



James Hunter, of Regina, who has given of his time and talents to

youth programs in sports and recreation (presented by John

Nilson, MLA for Regina Lakeview);



Laura McCallum, of Sandy Bay, active in a variety of community

projects including healthy lifestyles for young people (received

on her behalf by her sister, Lillian Wuttunee, presented by Keith

Goulet, MLA for Cumberland);



Vi Pyett, of Melfort, who has had a long-time involvement with

the co-op movement and many local organizations (presented,by Rod

Gantefoer MLA for Melfort-Tisdale); and



Doug Steele, of North Battleford, prominent for thirty years in

figure skating provincially, nationally and internationally

(presented by Jack Hillson, MLA for North Battleford).



The lieutenant governor, Premier Roy Romanow, legislative

assembly Speaker Glenn Hagel, Opposition leader Ken Krawetz and

third party leader Ron Osika joined in praising the six medal

recipients for their volunteer work.



Saskatchewan has one of the highest rates of voluntarism in

Canada. Established in 1995, the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal

recognizes outstanding volunteer service or exceptional community

involvement beyond the individual's normal duties or profession.



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For more information, contact:



Michael Jackson

Secretary

Saskatchewan Honours Advisory Council

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-3109