The Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce announced the 2018 Citizen and Group of the Year at its annual awards ceremony at the Heritage Inn on Thursday, Jan. 24.
The 2018 Citizen of the Year went to Cory Olafson, while 15 Wing Fellowship received 2018 Group of the Year.
The Citizen and Group of the Year Awards recognize significant contributions to Moose Jaw’s quality of life, both social and economic, made by private citizens. The awards increase public awareness of these contributions and give well deserved tributes.
In accepting his award for Citizen of the Year, Cory Olafson said he is humbled by the recognition.
“Getting awards is not why we do as much as we do in the community, but it is indeed humbling to be recognized. I’d like to congratulate and recognize all the other nominees for all the work they do for our community. A lot of people know me from the Kinsmen Club, an organization I’ve been with for over 20 years. A lot of things I’ve done, I’ve done with a lot of great people who have helped me to get the work done. It’s definitely teamwork. I’ve got a family that is extremely supportive and understanding of all the things I do to give back to the community. I’d also like to thank my mom and dad for instilling in me the importance of giving back and I hope to pass that on to my children so they can also be involved.”
The other nominees for the 2018 Citizen of the Year were Joe Gunnis and Lloyd and Lynann Pethick. They were also recognized and given a special award for their outstanding contributions to the community.
Aaron Ruston, president of 15 Wing Fellowship accepted the Group of the Year award on behalf of the organization. He said the work wouldn’t have been possible without the team of people who all contribute to help 15 Wing give back to the community in tremendous ways.
“We’ve got a whole group of incredible people that work very hard to make this happen. They say, ‘it takes a village,’ well…it’s never been more real than this case here. Since 2010, 15 Wing has been in existence to really create a tie between 15 Wing and the community and to bring both together. It has certainly morphed over the years and it’s a wonderful feeling to give back.”
The other group nominees were Born2Dance, Dance Fitness with Kyra, Moose Jaw & District Sports Hall of Fame, Moose Jaw Families for Change and Sets 4 Supper. They also received recognition and a special award for their work in the community.
This year’s awards ceremony was sponsored by CAE Inc. and 800 CHAB/Country 100/Mix 103.9.
