Don Fish and Maggie Gervais were formally recognized as McLennan’s 2008 Volunteers of the Year during the McLennan Curling Club’s community Christmas banquet fundraiser last month.

The Town of McLennan has formally announced the recipients of its 2008 Volunteer of the Year Award. “It gives me great pleasure to announce Maggie Gervais and Don Fish as this year’s recipients of the Volunteer of the Year Award,” said McLennan Mayor Don Regier at the Dec. 6 Christmas banquet fundraiser hosted by the McLennal Curling Club Society. Gervais, an active 20-year member of the McLennan Order of Royal Purple (the last two of which have been as president), is described by those who know her as having great organizational skills in addition to being very family oriented. “As president, Maggie continues to put a lot of extra energy and leadership into the efforts of the Royal Purple, a group which actively supports and provides benefits to many other community organizations in addition to maintaining the Elks Hall,” her nomination form reads. “Maggie is dependable, a fabulous organizer and a hard worker. She’s easy to get along with an carries a smile on her face at all times. As a member of the Order, she fulfills her obligations of justice, charity, love and fidelity.” Gervais, meanwhile, says she’s extremely pleased to be on the receiving end of the award. “Being recognized as a recipient for Volunteer of the Year is a pretty special feeling,” says Gervais. “I’m really honoured.” Don Fish Sharing the Volunteer of the Year Award with Gervais is Fish, who has called McLennan home for over 50 years. His dedication and commitment to he community as an active volunteer spans more than four decades and includes everything from serving on Smoky River Ducks Unlimited, to past assistance as a trainer with the North Peace Hockey League’s Lakeland Eagles franchise and serving as a commanding officer with Zone 1 Air Cadet Gliding League. Fish, who recently retired from Peace Country Emergency Medical Services as an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) after 21 years of service, is also well known for his ongoing contributions to the McLennan Royal Canadian Legion over the course of the past 40 years. “I consider it quite an honour to be recognized for this award,” says Fish, who was completely surprised to hear the good news. “Volunteering is something I really enjoy. It’s a great way to remain involved in the community and stay active at the same time.” Fish’s nomination to the municipality also includes glowing remarks in relation to his onoing volunteer efforts within the community. “Don has spent many years with Ducks Unlimited to make their annual supper a very entertaining and profitable event and his dedication to the McLennan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion as secretary-treasurer and service officer is unquestionable.” “His support and respect for the Town of McLennan and its people is outstanding.” Both recipients received commemorative glass mugs from the Town of McLennan in recognition as volunteers of the year.