Five dedicated and passionate local volunteers were the recipients of the King Charles III Coronation Medal on Sept. 9.
Kootenay MP Rob Morrison presented medals and certificates at his constituency office to a handful of upstanding citizens, including Angel Flight East Kootenay founder and president Brent Bidston, Cranbrook doctor Tracey Parnell, Cranbrook Youth Ambassador Program founder Karin Penner, 107.5 2day FM Mornings radio show host Dennis Walker and real estate agent Jason Wheeldon.
The coronation medal was released last year to mark Charles's ascension to the throne, and is being awarded to thousands of good samaritans across Canada who have contributed to making their communities a better place.
"There's so many people in our community who give above and beyond. This was a day for them," said Morrison.
Brent Bidston's flight service has changed the lives of many people in the region, transporting locals with medical issues to the hospital in Kelowna for free. The service has proved crucial in getting premature newborns the care they need and helping people access cancer treatment that is not available locally. Bidston was an airline captain for 30 years before founding Angel Flight in 2019.
Dr. Tracey Parnell was awarded for her humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, working on the front lines to deliver care to the sick and injured. She fundraised for updated medical equipment, as some doctors were working with badly outdated supplies, including stretchers that dated back to the Second World War.
Karin Penner has been a committed volunteer for over 50 years. She founded The Cranbrook Youth Ambassador Program, formerly known as the Sweethearts of Sam Steele Program, which has inspired generations of young women to take on a leadership role in the community, and use their skills and passions to better the lives of all who cross their path.
Dennis Walker is the voice of the community news on the 107.5 2day FM morning radio show, and he makes a point of showing up at almost every local event. He got his start in the industry back in Creston while he was still in high school, and spent nearly 30 years in radio in the Okanagan, where he was given the tile of Penticton Man of the Year in 2003 and rated South Okanagan's Most Popular Radio and TV Personality in 2015 by Okanagan Life Magazine
Jason Wheeldon has dedicated countless hours to community volunteerism, including the annual Turkey Drive, which raises money for Cranbrook Food Bank and the Salvation Army, and feeds people in need. Over the years, he has been involved with many major community initiatives, including the Kinsman Club, Big Brothers and Sisters, Canadian Mental Health Association and The Cranbrook Youth Ambassador Program.
