Two Yorkton residents were awarded for their lifetime devotion to volunteering by Member of Parliament Cathay Wagantall in Saturday's ceremonies. Glenn Tymiak and Ted Deneschuk, both of Yorkton, were honoured by the MP with the Volunteer Service medal for their tireless devotion to the community for so many years.
“Volunteering, to me, means just helping out in the community, organizations. Being at either a church, community, civic, or health care...Ukranian Culture. Helping out in this area, using my talents in this area,” said Tymiak.
“It's just self satisfying to know that you've assisted other people. You've assisted with your interests as well, and you've helped out by using your talents, your time, your treasures even to assist in different areas in the province.”
Ted Deneschuk agrees with Tymiak. “It's been 31 years since I retired, so I'm involved with a lot of boards. The most rewarding is that I'm speaking or volunteering my time, helping in the community with different kids of organizations to make a better world.” Upon receiving the honour, he characterized it with the same humility and dedication he exhibits in his volunteer work.
“I'm really humbled to accept that particular award, it kind of gives an indication of all the work I've been involved in in our community over the last 40 years. It feels an honour to have received that award.”
Yorkton-Melville Member of Parliamant, the Hon. Cathay Wagantall, explained the origins of the award to Yorkton This Week after the reception.
“It began first of all with the fact of Canada's 150th birthday. I thought that was a good year to do this. The Government had decided not to do some of the recognition that they normally do with Canada Day, so being from a rural area, and just appreciating what it takes to keep our communities going, it was something that I thought would be a good way to celebrate Canada's 150,” said Wagantall.
“It was so successful, and heartwarming to do, to give people that opportunity to thank people in their community. So, we decided to do it every year! That's the plan. We're doing 2018 now.”
