On Wednesday, the City of Kamloops held a special award ceremony for eight community members who have displayed exemplary service to the community.
The annual Exemplary Service Awards ceremony formally acknowledges people who have dedicated time and service in a voluntary contribution to the community’s growth and development and well-being of local citizens.
Past recipients have contributed to philanthropy, youth mentorship, athletics, emergency services, food security, event coordination and so much more.
This year’s nominees are no different and the city provided a list of all the recipients.
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Sebastian Chalmers-Owega, a recipient in the 29 and under category, was recognized for his dedication to the community. He has devoted over 828 volunteer hours to St. John Ambulance. He is also a volunteer with the City of Kamloops, Kamloops Firestorm and teaches guitar lessons. The city said he has demonstrated innovative thinking, a generous spirit, and the ability to mentor and uplift those around him.
Chair of the Valleyview Community Association, Julie Dormer, was also honoured. She has been a member of the Rocky Mountain Rangers, a wildfire crew boss, a ski lift operator and a riding assistant for the BC Liberal Kamloops North and South Riding Associations. She hosts the annual Valleyview Block Party. She is also a block watch captain and has volunteered with events like the Kamloops Exploration Group Lecture Series, Canada Summer and Western Canada Games, the Canada 55+ Senior Games, and the Christopher Seguin Rotary Dinners. Julie fundraises for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the CIBC Run for the Cure, and the Relay for Life. She also served as communications director for Advocates for School District No. 73.
Howard Grieve has been a dedicated member of the community since the 1990s. He is a member of the Juniper Ridge Community Association. He has also worked with the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce, The Big Little Science Centre, and Tourism Kamloops. Howard was operations manager of the 2141 steam locomotive in 1999, rebranding the organization as the Kamloops Heritage Railway Society and successfully leading it into the mid-2000s. Now retired, Howard still dedicated countless volunteer hours to the Society.
Anna Harrison was a successful entrepreneur turned educator and has owned and operated several businesses. She now helps aspiring entrepreneurs build their businesses. She is also part of the team at Marketplace Leaders, an organization that brings influential speakers to Kamloops. Anna contributes to the Kamloops Rotary West Club and volunteers with several Rotary initiatives like food drive and the annual seniors tea. She gives back to Motion Church, the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation, and the BC Wildlife Park.
With over 10 years of experience in the non-profit sector, Kathleen Larose has used her own journey to drive meaningful change when it comes to homelessness and addiction. She has worked across Canada to support marginalized communities. She is the co-founder and CEO of Interior Women’s Centre Society in Kamloops, which has led to a low-barrier support hub. Kathleen has become an advocate for harm reduction, social justice, and drug policy reform and organizes events for International Overdose Awareness Day.
Another advocate for mental health and homelessness, Rick Marshall, was awarded for his work in the community. He serves as a board member for the Out of the Cold homeless shelter and a supervisor with the Customer Care and Patrol team under the Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association. While patrolling, he has responded to drug overdoses and helped with medical emergencies, despite it to be required by his role.
For over 40 years, Wayne McRann has been a pillar of the community. He has managed a small business and founded several organizations including the Thompson Nicola Manufacturers Association, the Kamloops Economic Development Corporation, and the city-wide cleanup initiative Kamloops Trash Bash. He has served on committees for economic development and youth resources and helped with bids for the 1993 Canada Summer Games. He plays an active role in the Rotary club and was the first recipient for the Kamloops YMCA/YWCA Peace Award.
Sheila Minten has a diverse background spanning tourism, business management, customer service, marketing and health care. She owns The Vista Inn and Total Concept Developments. Sheila also volunteers with the Rotary club, the Kamloops Downtown Business Improvement Association, the Youth Exchange Committee, the 2141 Heritage Rail Society, and previously, the Tourism Kamloops board and chair of the Alzheimer’s Walk.
