For Immediate Release

October 14, 2020

Winners Recognized for 2019 Spirit of Oliver Awards

For the past 15 years Oliver has recognized individuals and groups with awards to applaud the outstanding volunteer contributions to the community.  COVID-19 postponed the annual event that is typically celebrated during Volunteer Week (April 19-25, 2020) in collaboration with Oliver Parks & Recreation.

Mayor Johansen and a few members of Council presented the awards in small, socially distanced groups in Council Chambers October 13, 2020. Carol Sheridan was in attendance to represent Oliver Parks & Recreation Society.

“These individuals and organizations are committed to their communities and make positive impacts on their neighbor’s lives, said Mayor Johansen.  This is why the Town of Oliver, and Oliver Parks & Recreation, are proud to recognize the contributions of the winners and the many who were nominated”.

“Oliver Parks and Recreation applauds all the nominees and offers heartfelt thanks and congratulations to all of the winners of the 2019 Spirit of Oliver Awards.  It is wonderful to see Community Builder award winner Benita Baerg be recognized for her outstanding volunteer efforts that saw the Small Wheels Park project through to completion and resulted in a legacy for residents and visitors to enjoy for decades to come”.

We are proud to present the 2019 winners in the following categories:

Youth – the winner is Enola Mills

Outstanding Individual Adult (or Couple) – the winner is Mr. Chris Yerburgh

Community Group – the winner is Oliver Citizens Crime Watch

Community Builder (Oliver Parks & Recreation Award) – the winner is Benita Baerg

Community Roots – no nominations received for this category

Please refer to background information attached to the below PDF for a summary of the contributions of each individual and the nominees.

Inquiries:

Diane Vaykovich

Town of Oliver

250 485 6200

Open Final:
News Release – 14 Oct 2020 – PDF
News Release – 14 Oct 2020 – HTML