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Local receives Medal of Good Citizenship
Fourteen people from around British Columbia will receive the province’s Medal of Good Citizenship for their outstanding service and commitment to helping others in their communities.
One East Kootenay resident is among the group of good citizens – Cranbrook’s tireless Irene Bischler.
“Irene Bischler (pictured above) has been described as one of the most compassionate, selfless and empathetic people who has ever worked at Cranbrook’s Amy Woodland Elementary School. Irene is the first person in the building every morning. She sets up the breakfast club for the school feeding 30 to 40 kids every morning and greets kids who may not have otherwise been fed or had a positive interaction that day,” outlines a backgrounder by the Honours and Awards Secretariat.
“She has made connections with restaurants, service groups, grocery stores and other community members and gathers donations on her own time to ensure the breakfast club runs smoothly. After breakfast Irene starts social emotional support groups where kids cook, do carpentry, sew, decorate cakes and cookies, quilt blankets and dozens of other activities. She supports teachers in classrooms and often takes kids into the community for activities.
“Her goal each day is to ensure kids are happy, emotionally regulated and connected to the school community. Irene has supported every level of athlete through her power skating and figure skating coaching.
“She has given respite care to kids to help out families in crisis. Irene has also worked with individuals with special needs for many years. She mentors young teachers and education assistants and has worked in Alternate Programs with School District No. 5’s kids.
“Irene is the local president of the CUPE Union and is constantly working to ensure her members are supported despite the high stress situations they find themselves working in. Irene’s mission is to ensure the people around her have a better day, greater opportunity, feel empowered and valued and have a deeper purposeful connection with their community. The lives of students, staff, families and coworkers are richer and more fulfilling due to her endless energy and efforts.”
Premier John Horgan said the Medal of Good Citizenship is an “important honour (that) recognizes people who have gone above and beyond to offer help and kindness to others during these exceptionally challenging times. The latest recipients of the Medal of Good Citizenship make our province a better place through their contributions and provide an example we can all aspire to meet in our communities.”
Launched in 2015, the Medal of Good Citizenship recognizes individuals who, through exceptional dedication and service, have made outstanding contributions to their communities without expectation of remuneration or reward. The medal reflects their generosity, service, acts of selflessness and contributions to community life.
“It was such a difficult decision for the committee to select just 14 individuals from the long list of incredible nominees,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, and chair of the medal’s selection committee. “We are so fortunate in British Columbia to live amongst so many unsung heroes. These outstanding, remarkable and selfless leaders make our communities shine brightly.”
The Medal of Good Citizenship recipients represent 10 communities from around B.C.
Recipients are:
* Irene Bischler, Cranbrook
* Andrew Beckerman, Victoria
* Kristi Blakeway, Maple Ridge
* Zeeshan Hayat, Vancouver
* Fawzan Hussain, Surrey
* Cole Izsak, Surrey
* Donna Kane, Rolla
* Imogene Lim, Nanaimo
* Farouq Manji, Richmond
* Robert McMinn, Highlands (Victoria)
* Stephanie Quon, Vancouver
* George Reifel, Vancouver
* Cara Sinclair, Vancouver
* Gale Stewart, New Westminster
Medals will be presented at virtual ceremonies in a few months.
To date, 90 citizens and two communities have received the medal.
In addition to the Medal of Good Citizenship, people may be nominated for the province’s other honour, the Order of British Columbia. This honour recognizes people who have served with the greatest distinction and excelled in any field of endeavour, benefiting British Columbians and others across Canada and beyond.
The nomination deadline for the Order of British Columbia has been extended to April 9.
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