On June 6, the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) held a town hall meeting at the Fernie Family Centre to address the residents of Electoral Area A. While there were multiple items on the agenda, at the top of the list was the Volunteer of the Year award.
Electoral Area A Director, Mike Sosnowski, presented the Volunteer of the Year award to Randy Cameron of West Fernie.
“Randy Cameron is an outstanding volunteer whose impact is felt not only in Area A but right across the entire valley and municipalities,” said Sosnowski.
Sosnowski also recognized Cameron’s wife, Patti, who has assisted Cameron on his volunteer efforts.
“It should really be a Randy and his wife award,” he said. “Because any time you see him, Patti is right there.”
Sosnowski spoke of the Cameron’s efforts to donate port-a-potties to senior care homes in Fernie for outdoor functions as well as removing snow for local seniors for the past three decades. Sosnowski went on to list the initiatives that Cameron has helped, including mine rescue competitions, local Rod and Gun Clubs and the Elk Valley Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Cameron was also recognized for his efforts with the Hosmer demolition derby and lighting at the Wapiti Ski Hill in Elkford.
“His nominator said it best when he said that Randy’s true spirit is to help the children of the valley, keeping them safe and active and he is always willing to step up and provide that service for free,” said Sosnowski. “Every year, Randy takes time away from his own family to put on a bright red suit and bring joy to seniors and children alike on Christmas Eve.”
Cameron did not make a speech, but he did happily accept the award from Sosnowski. He did make the first cut into a cake and posed for photos with his family, who were in the audience.