Longtime resident Renie Porter was honoured as Elkford’s 2020 Citizen of the Year.
The Citizen of the Year award is given to a dedicated member of the community who gives back to the District of Elkford, making it a better place to live, work, and play.
A citizen of Elkford for almost forty years, Porter was selected for her multi-faceted and selfless community involvement. Unconditionally dedicated to a number of local groups and initiatives, Porter is part of everything from the Air Cadets, to the Elkford Lions Club, and everything in between. Porter takes every opportunity to help others, even assisting those in need with their grocery shopping whenever possible.
“She is always finding ways to help the community, leaving a positive impression in all she does,” said Mayor Dean McKerracher. “She never hesitates to help when called upon, and you can always count on her infectious smile and positive attitude. This recognition is well deserved.”
Recipients for the Citizen of the Year award are nominated by fellow community members via nomination forms on the district’s online platforms. The award is sponsored by the District of Elkford and is selected by the district council based on a number of criteria, including outstanding achievement and involvement in the community through employment, character, and volunteering. The recipients are also celebrated for their leadership, selflessness, contribution to the community, duration of service, and other significant impacts throughout the district. The Citizen of the Year award criteria also requires the recipient to contribute to the community through acts of good will without monetary or personal compensation.
“I am very excited and honoured to receive the award,” said Porter. “It feels great to be honoured in this way. It means a lot to think that people thought that much of me to nominate me.”
The Citizen of the Year is usually congratulated with a speech by the mayor at a council meeting and introduced at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Event. In previous years, recipients of the award were also selected as the grand marshall for the District of Elkford’s annual Wildcat Days Parade. Due to current closures and event cancellations, Porter was publicly recognized in the district’s monthly community newsletter, in the mayor’s weekly video update, and on the District of Elkford’s Facebook page. She was also delivered a bouquet of flowers and later graced with a car parade in her honour, led by a group of citizens including district council and staff.
reporter@thefreepress.ca
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