Released on February 25, 2000
Lieutenant Governor Lynda Haverstock today announced the names of eight
citizens who will receive the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal for 1999 – the fifth
group of recipients since the honour was established in 1995.
The recipients are:
Ferdie Ewald, of Regina, an active volunteer leader with seniors and
nurses' organizations;
Ronald Gallaway, of Estevan, who played a major role in agricultural
associations and was founding president of the Saskatchewan Association
of Fairs and Exhibitions;
William Kalmakoff, of Saskatoon, a leading figure in the Doukhobor
community, is also well known for promoting multiculturalism and
heritage languages.
Alice Leung, of Saskatoon, committed to promoting Chinese language and
heritage programs and an active civic fundraiser;
Beatrice Middleton, of Moosomin, a dedicated volunteer in her community
for health care and church organizations;
Gerri Peppler, of Yorkton, a volunteer leader in the local health care
centre and civic groups and chair of Special Olympics Summer Games in
1994;
William Perry, of Craven, played a major role as organizer of the RCMP
"Sunset Ceremony" and RCMP Band. He directed and produced the RCMP
Tattoo in 1998;
Patricia Thistlethwaite, of Swift Current, active in agriculture,
seniors' and church organizations;
The recipients will be presented with the medals by the Lieutenant Governor at
a ceremony at the Legislature in the spring.
The Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal recognizes outstanding volunteer service or
exceptional community involvement beyond the individual's normal profession or
duties.
The Saskatchewan Honours Advisory Council selects deserving individuals from
the nominations received. The Council submits the names to the premier who
makes a recommendation to the Lieutenant Governor to present the medal.
Including the 1999 recipients, thirty-four Saskatchewan citizens have been
awarded the medal since its inception.
Recipients of the volunteer medal also receive a certificate and lapel pin and
may use the initials S.V.M. after their names.
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For more information, contact:
Wendy Campbell
Director of Communications
Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs
Regina
Telephone: (306) 787-8008
NOTE TO EDITORS: Biographies and telephone numbers of the recipients of the
Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal are attached; all recipients are willing to be
interviewed.
Ferdie EWALD
Regina
A resident of Regina, Ferdie Ewald has given much of his time since retiring to
active volunteering with seniors, working on seniors' issues and nurses'
organizations. His work includes:
"One Voice Canada Network", a nation-wide advocacy organization for
seniors.
Host of the television series "Spotlight on Seniors" producing over 200
shows;
President, Seniors TV Forums Advisory Committee, responsible for
planning, organizing, obtaining funding and co-hosting two thirteen-
program series, "Seniors Forum" and "Shared Wisdom", for broadcast on
SCN and Cable Regina;
Regina Housing Corporation
Federal Advisory Council to the Minister of Heritage
Board of Directors for Regina Senior Citizens Centre
Member of "Seniors Dialogue"
Saskatchewan Nurses' Association
Friends of the Archives
Tel. 574-2939 home
Ronald J. Gallaway
Estevan
A farmer from Estevan, Ronald Gallaway has been a volunteer for near 50 years.
He has contributed his time to:
Estevan Agricultural Society
Agricultural District Board No. 1.
Saskatchewan Association of Agriculture Societies
Saskatchewan Association of Fairs and Exhibitions - founding President
Wheat Pool Committee for 33 years
United Church board
Estevan Chamber of Commerce
Rotary Club
Public School Board
Comprehensive School Board
Hildahl Rural Telephone Company
Tel. 634-9316 home
William Kalmakoff
Saskatoon
William Kalmakoff, a well-know educator and promoter of multiculturalism, has
given his time and energy to:
Saskatoon Doukhobor Society
Doukhobor Cultural Society of Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Intercultural Society
Saskatchewan Organization for Heritage Languages
Multi Faith Saskatoon
Saskatoon Doukhobor Society Newsletter
Saskatoon Doukhobor Choral group and the barbershop singing group Chimo
Chordsmen
Doukhobor pavilions at the Saskatoon Exhibition and Folkfest
University of Saskatchewan College of Education Leadership Unit, where
after retirement as a consultant wrote an Education Act for Indian Band
Schools.
Tel. 373-0952 Home
Alice Leung
Saskatoon
Alice Leung is an active volunteer in the Chinese Community. Her work includes:
Chinese heritage programs and activities.
Chinese Mandarin School
Chinese Pavilion at Saskatoon Folkfest,
Chinese Ladies Fellowship
Chinese Cultural Society
1997 national director for the Chinese Canadian National
Council.
In addition to Mrs. Leung's support of her Chinese heritage, she has done
fundraising work for:
Terry Fox Run,
Kinsmen Telemiracle,
United Way,
Children's Health Foundation
China Flood.
Tel. 373-6582 Home
Beatrice Middleton
Moosomin
Beatrice Middleton's volunteer commitments include giving of her time to a wide
range of worthy causes including:
a local nursing home
adult day care
seniors' lodge
care-givers support group
nursing home auxiliary
hospital auxiliary
United Church pastoral team
a volunteer pianist organist, she directs a choir during the Christmas
season.
Tel. 435-2593 Home
Gerri Peppler
Yorkton
Gerri Peppler is a retired television programmer and host. Her many volunteer
activities include:
Yorkton Regional Health Centre
Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers.
Shelwin House
Parkland Victim Services
Coats for Kids program
Soup Haven.
Yorkton Housing Authority
East Central Health District
Yorkton Credit Union
1994 Saskatchewan Special Olympics Summer Games
In 1997 Mrs. Peppler won a YWCA Woman of Distinction Award.
Tel. 783-3564 Home
William Perry
Craven
William Perry's fields of volunteer commitments include:
Key organizer of the RCMP "Sunset Ceremony" in Regina
Founder of the volunteer RCMP Band
Volunteer director and producer of a RCMP festival in 1995
1998 125th anniversary RCMP Tattoo
RCMP museum.
Anglican Church
Heritage Home Seniors Residence - Expansion Committee
Tel. 731-3593 Home
Patricia Thistlethwaite
Swift Current
Patricia Thistlethwaite's volunteer commitments include:
First United Church Women
Swift Current Agriculture and Exhibition Association
National Farmers' Union
Associated Country Women of the World
Saskatchewan Seniors' Association Inc.
Swift Current Seniors' Citizens Activity Centre
Mrs. Thistlethwaite is also a recipient of a Certificate of Merit from the
Saskatchewan Women's Institute.
Tel. 773-4133 Home