Seventeen years ago, it began as a small dinner with club members and the winner.
Today the Fonthill and District Kinsmen Citizen of the Year Award is a major award program in Pelham.
Each year more than 100 people fill the Old Pelham Town Hall for the presentation ceremony attracting club members, family, friends and community leaders.
The Kinsmen are now seeking nominees for the 2014 Citizen of the Year. Deadline for nominations is Friday, Jan. 23.
“We are looking for an exceptional volunteer,” said Brian Iggulden, who chairs the program.
Most past winners have been involved many volunteer activities.
“We are surprised by how active they are,” said Iggulden. “They respond whenever asked.”
He has served as chair for about 10 years and helped since the award was suggested and set up by the late Paul Bray.
Iggulden said it is intended to encourage the spirit of volunteerism by showcasing excellent examples.
The Kinsmen hope everyone volunteers but in particular would like to see more young people step up to continue contributions into the future.
Candidates for the award must be over 21, live or work in Pelham, and are not connected with the Kinsmen club or in a political office.
“The award has often gone to members of other services clubs such as Lions and Rotary,” chuckles Iggulden.
He would like to see more nominations from sports groups, schools and lesser known organizations.
“They have many volunteers.”
Caroline Mullin received the first award. David Swan is the most recent winner.
A couple of unusual recipients were Rick Lowes and Paul Ryan for behind the scenes efforts. Gord Klager was a posthumous award winner for a lifetime of volunteerism.
Other recipients were Eric Bergnstein, Jake Dilts, Tony Finamore, George Kowalski, Anne Robbins, Catherine Kuckyt, Gerry Berkhout, Gail Baltjes-Chataway, Gail Hilyer, Sandra Warden, and Fred Disher.
Iggulden said nominations have to be made in writing and multiple nominations are welcome.
Deadline is Friday, Jan. 23. The award will be presented on Tuesday, March 3, in the recently restored Old Pelham Town Hall.
Nominations can be submitted to The Kinsmen Club of Fonthill & District, Box 906, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0.
For more information about the award, see the club’s website www.Fonthillkinsmen.ca.
