A veteran of the Carrot River Fire Department and a former town councillor was selected as Carrot River’s citizen of the year.
Dale Debienne has served 27 years on the fire department and 20 on Carrot River council. He’s also involved in organizations like the community justice committee and the Pasquia Trust.
“I’m excited about winning the award. I wasn’t expecting it,” he said. “Anything I did, I didn’t expect recognition. That wasn’t the reason I did it for.”
Rather, he did it because he wanted to give back to the Carrot River community.
Debienne had run DBN Service, a gas station and garage in town, for many years.
“Dale is a retired businessman and has given many of our local guys their first job during high school,” said Bob Gagné, Carrot River’s mayor.
For those wanting to get involved in the community, Debienne advised people to choose to say, “yes, I’m game,” rather than, “I don’t have time for it.”
“All you have to do is start doing one thing,” he said. “It is our community and if we don’t do things in our community, our community won’t get better. Every time somebody new starts, it just moves everything along.”
Also nominated for citizen of the year was Pat Brown, Charlene Enns and Rick Colborn.
Other awards
Debienne wasn’t the only one to win an award at the Carrot River Board of Trade’s Business Excellence Awards Gala.
“I think it was a great group of people who were nominated,” Debienne said. “Whoever did it, did a really good job and it was a great evening.”
The business of the year was Prairie Angel Bakery.
“They have professional service and provide a friendly atmosphere for their clients,” said Kevin Mazurek, the award’s presenter. “They saw a need in their community and chose to fill it. They offered breakfast when other businesses are closed, they started a soup-and-bun lunch, which they continue with their lunch specials. All of their staff are well-liked by their customers. They’ve got great community involvement and they’re continually evolving their offerings as the need dictates.”
Pat Clancy presented the employee of the year award.
“Darci Wlaz has 22 years with the same business, the Credit Union. She takes her duties very seriously, is prompt – often ahead of schedule, is well-liked by both staff and customers, is a good leader, also sits on many boards and has served multiple terms with the town council.”
The student employee of the year was presented by Ward Kewley.
“Amanda Gurbach maintains two part-time jobs, well-focused on tasks, not easily distracted, always looking for the new task, is a role model for younger people, is very well-liked at both of her workplaces. Amanda is involved in community activities and maintains good grades at school.”
The community event of the year was the 2016 Men’s Bonspiel. Kevin Trew presented the award to the curling club.
“In 2016, we raised over $71,000 in that weekend. We increased the number of teams to 29 and we ensured the curling rink and curling club are an integral part of Saskatchewan’s Outback.”
Warren Pridham presented the rural roots award.
“Janzen Honey Farms is a long-standing business in the community, provides many jobs to seasonal employees. They ship world-class product through North America and they continue to support the community.”
