VANCOUVER — Nine residents from the B.C. Interior are among more than 150 Canadians being recognized with awards from the Governor General for their excellence, courage and dedication to service.
Cadet Corporal Shannon Young was presented with a Medal for Bravery by Governor General David Johnston. On May 17, 2012 a distraught man stormed into her family’s home on Cannel Drive in Kamloops and took Shannon’s mother hostage. Then 13 years old, Shannon hid her younger sister and a friend in an upstairs room until it was safe to guide them out.
A Medal of Bravery was also presented to Tom Blair, one of three men who saved a woman from drowning in the icy waters of the Thompson River. On January 23, 2013, Blair, Bob Reid and Bert Kent formed a human chain on the thin, fragile ice and pulled the woman out of the water to safety. Reid and Kent will be presented with their medals at a later date.
Duncan Barnett of 150 Mile House received a Caring Canadian Award from Governor General David Johnston. He was recognized for working to protect agricultural land and environment in B.C. by developing an invasive plant strategy. He has also chaired the Invasive Species Council of B.C.
For the past 35 years, Betty Doberstein of Merritt has supported local and accessible health care in her community through her volunteer service with the Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary. She also received a Caring Canadian Award.
Paul and Linda Blanchet of Kamloops were unable to attend today’s awards ceremonies but will receive Caring Canadian Awards for their contributions to the Alzheimer Society of Canada at a later date.
