JCI Humboldt were honoured by Humboldt MLA, Donna Harpauer, on Mar. 1 as she presented the club with the Premier’s Service Club Award.
JCI is not only making Humboldt better for those who live here but those who visit, Harpauer said in her speech, referencing the numerous times she has taken her grandchildren to the Water Ridge spray park that JCI helped fund.
“It’s a very young, dynamic group that is forward thinking, and constantly thinking of different things that they can do that would be unique and great for Humboldt.”
All of their work to serve the young and old of Humboldt has been truly appreciated, says Harpauer, especially their help towards the aquatic centre, spray park, and hospital foundation.
For JCI President Darren Moellenbeck, this award represents those years of hardwork from the beginning of the Humboldt based club, up to the present.
“Being recognized for that is an amazing honour for us.”
Both past and present members of Humboldt JCI were present at the ceremony. For Moellenbeck, to have those members present is a real privilege.
Past member, Larry Durand, says that there have been many good projects coming from JCI Humboldt that people will remember. But more importantly, the best thing to come out of the organization has been the people, says Durand.
A lot of successful Humboldt people have been members of JCI.
“There has been a lot of personal and professional growth that’s happened,” says Durand.
The Saskatchewan government launched the Premier’s Service Club Award in 2013 because they realized all their service awards are for individuals and not joint efforts, says Harpauer.
“We have some very active and super service clubs within our province that do a lot of good work within our community.”
As we get busier, there are clubs that struggle with membership, says Harpauer. Awards like this not only honour the group but also help with recruitment.
There are always ups and downs in recruitment, says Durand. This award presents a unique opportunity for recruitment.
“There is always trying to get some recruitment, trying to get new bodies, new blood and invigorate your chapter again. There is probably some opportunity there to put some new life into the organization.”
Recruitment does fluctuate from year to year, says Durand.
There used to be dozens of JCI chapters across Saskatchewan but is now down to Humboldt being the only Saskatchewan based chapter.
Humboldt’s been the only one to stand the test of time, says Durand.
