By Lucie Roy
Morinville – Youth were among the many members recognized for their volunteer service at the Morinville Legion 2011 Volunteer Appreciation Awards Night Sunday night.
In his last official function as Past-President, Honours and Awards 2011 Chair Emmanuel Allard expressed his appreciation to all volunteers. “We are dedicated to you our volunteers, and this is our chance as the Legion to give back to you and say thank you,” he said. “Without your time and commitment your Legion would not function. Through your service we are able to give back to the community.”
Shelby Kuchta, from the Morinville 3061 Army Cadet Corps received a certificate alongside her older brother Justin and parents Marilynne and Orest Kuchta. Comrade Danny Clarke also recognized his grandson Dillion Clarke who helped with the 2011 Poppy Campaign.
“With this crowd of volunteers we can bring in more people,” Allard said. “This must be a generational family thing. Without your work, your service we couldn’t do what we do here.”
Allard had six Branch Service Medal recipients, a new award from Royal Canadian Legion Dominion Command presented to those who have given above and beyond their time and service or who have served on multiple committees. The award was presented to Pat Badry, Danny Clarke, Al and Georgie Davies, John McNalley and Sue Wilson.
Certificates of Merit were also presented to five local businesses: Anderson Liquor, Hunters Print & Copy, Morinville Greenhouses, Sobeys Morinville, and the Town of Morinville.
Committee nominations for Certificates of Appreciation and Certificates of Merit included 19 members from Ways and Means, 14 from Bar Officer, eight from Poppy Chair, 18 from Sgt-at-Arms, eight from Flowerbed, 15 from Entertainment and 10 from Bingo. The Legionnaire of the Year Award was presented to Al Davies.
But awards were not the only thing handed out during the evening. Seven organizations received more than $9,000 in proceeds cheques from the gaming account. Recipients included Cadet Corps 3061 Morinville, Scouts, Girl Guides, Morinville Minor Hockey, Youth Darts, Alexander Lodge and the Alliance Church.
President Gerry Morrow explained the Legion had big things ahead. “This is a new year with new executive and many projects ahead of us,” he said. “The Branch is here and we want it to grow and continue into the future the best we can.”