Greg Ottenbreit has been awarded the highest award bestowed by the Kin Canada Foundation, the Hal Rogers Fellow.
The prestigious Hal Rogers Fellow (HRF) program recognizes individual Kin, Associate Members, alumni and non-Kin who, by their leadership, accomplishments and community endeavours, have demonstrated the high ideals to which Kin Canada Founder Hal Rogers was committed.
"I'm just so honoured," said Ottenbreit. He quickly added he did not do things in isolation noting his wife "Leone" is part of this. Quite often I'm riding on her coattails."
Ottenbreit also thanked the community.
"What they've done for us is so much more than what we've done for them," he said.
In making the presentation at a Yorkton Chamber of Commerce function last Wednesday Ron Hanishewsky said Ottenbreit, a local Kinsmen for 10 years, starting in 1993 has done much for his community.
When Ottenbreit's son Brayden died of cancer before age six, Hanishewsky said his father and family found a way to honour his memory launching the program which has become the Brayden Ottenbreit Close Cuts for a Cure. The annual fundraiser has "raised $700,000 for cancer research and local cancer initiatives."
With the co-operation of the local Kinsman Club Ottenbreit was also instrumental in starting a program to donate books to classes and groups to foster "a love of learning," among youth.
Ottenbreit is still serving the community as Yorkton's sitting MLA.
Hanishewsky said it is the latest effort in a long list of helping the community. He said it is a case where Ottenbreit desires "to make the place a little bit better than he found it."
The HRF has been awarded to a list of people which includes Bob McGrath, Céline Dion, Wayne Gretzky, Rick Hansen and Michael 'Pinball' Clemons.
