CARROT RIVER — Pat Brown, who has been involved in so many volunteer activities in Carrot River that locals have difficulty summarizing what she’s involved with, has been declared citizen of the year.
She received the award at the Carrot River Board of Trade’s Business Excellence Gala held April 11.
She told local media volunteering was important to her.
“I’m retired and it’s just a part of my life. It’s something that I want to do and I enjoy doing it,” she said.
Brown has been volunteering for a long time, but started devoting more of her time to it after she retired 18 years ago. Among her volunteer activities are being involved with the seniors’ club, being involved with her church, and driving people to appointments and errands.
As she received the award, she said she wanted to say one thing to everyone in the packed room in the Carrot River Community Hall.
“I was wishing I could have a word to say to the whole room full of people because it’s something pleasurable, to be part of a community that thinks this well about its people. I think I was going to say, ‘congratulations Carrot River. This is the best place in the world.’”
Brown will also have her name engraved in a brick in the town square.
For those thinking about volunteering, Brown had this advice:
“If you have the time and you want to do it, do it. That is what happened with me. I was free,” she said. “I had just myself to think about.”
Emily Friesen was the student employee of the year. Her nominator said she’s a team player with excellent customer service skills. She helps where she can and is willing to learn new things to improve her position.
The winner of the rural roots award was River’s Edge Seeds. Their nominator said they lead in innovation in the hemp seed industry and with new farming methods. As well, they actively volunteer.
Carrot River Co-op was the business of the year. They’ve donated goods and supplies for many community organizations. They were also instrumental in securing a $50,000 grant for the community square.
The employee of the year was Miranda Blaber with the Carrot River Recreation Board. Her nominator said she’s a community leader, a go to person for information, will listen to others and offer suggestions for other people’s projects, and fosters positive change.
The Carrot River High School won the community event award with their Friday Night Lights Football, which raises money in the fight against cancer.
