Trio of Kamloops residents honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medals

The first King Charles Coronation Medal awarded was given to Brenda Prevost, a long-time seniors advocate in the city who started the Centre for Seniors Information more than 25 years ago.

“Through her ongoing advocacy, Brenda has showcased a lifelong dedication and commitment to social justice and has ensured that the voices of Kamloops’ seniors population are heard,” said Stone. “Bringing to light the most important issues that impact some of the most vulnerable community members here. The impact of her efforts will be felt for a very long time.”

“A safe, resourceful and helpful space for them and their loved ones. A space where they could ask questions, find solutions for day to day struggles and speak with senior peers who could provide a listening ear and who often had a shared and understanding concern for their struggles,” said Prevost.

Up next, was rancher and TNRD Area Director Doug Haughton who was recognized for his work within the agricultural community of Kamloops, the Thompson region and the province.

“That was Doug Haughton. He is a solutions-oriented person with more love for his community and passion for helping people than one can imagine,” said Stone. “Now, ‘John Deere Doug’s’ contributions go beyond his professional achievement, extending into his personal life where he continues to serve his community.”

“It’s been quite a journey from probably where it all started was in my 4H days, and 4H career that kind of teaches that slogan, ‘Learn to do by doing.’ And throughout the years worked hard, keeping the Provincial Winter Fair together, 4H clubs,” said an emotional Haughton in front of family and friends.

The final recipient on Friday was Bernadette Siracky, the Kamloops Food Bank president and CEO, who was surprised in the warehouse she helped get off the ground by fellow staff and MLA Milobar.

“Given your years of commitment to this community but really the forward-looking vision you had with the food bank in terms of moving it forward,” said Milobar. “You think of what has happened in the economy in the last couple of years, where we would be if you hadn’t had the foresight to expand across the street or push to get this built and get that extra capacity.”

“It’s not one person who brings the message to the community, so although I appreciate that, I am probably the one who speaks the most and speaks all the time, so probably that makes it easy to put me as the face here. But this kind of recognition belongs to a whole movement that happens in this building every day,” said Siracky.

Stone also previously presented medals to Sun Peaks mayor Al Raine and Canadian veteran Roland Phillips in Chase for their contributions to the country and the region.

by Michael Reeve

Trio of Kamloops residents honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medals

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