Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty announced the recipients of the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal. The recipients will be presented this prestigious award on August 26, 2021, at a ceremony held in their honour at Government House in Regina.
The Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal was established in 1995 on the occasion of the province’s 90th anniversary. Proudly acknowledging Saskatchewan, with the highest rate of volunteerism in Canada, the medal is not only a formal recognition but an expression of gratitude to those who are committed to helping others.
Designed by Jack Glasser of Regina, winner of a provincial competition, the medal bears the Saskatchewan shield of arms, the crown and the motto — Nos ipsos dedimus meaning “We Gave of Ourselves.”
Since 1995, the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal has been awarded to 228 deserving individuals.
This year’s recipients are:
- Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret'd) Robert Cade, CD (posthumous), Regina
- Anne Chase, Regina
- Peggy George, Melfort
- Derek Harrison, Fort Qu'Appelle
- Ken Hartz, Bradwell
- Eileen Herman, Qu'Appelle
- Frank McDougall, Saskatoon
- Jean de Dieu Ndayahundwa, Regina
- Leela Sharma, Saskatoon
- Lorraine Silzer, Assiniboia
- Richard Strayer, Saskatoon
- Bernice Woolhouse, Assiniboia
"The Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal acknowledges the exceptional contributions made by these generous and capable individuals," Lieutenant Governor Mirasty said. "I offer my congratulations and thanks to each recipient on this well-deserved honour."
The event will acknowledge two volunteers from southern Saskatchewan for their years of service to the community. Lorraine Silzer and Bernice Woolhouse, both from Assiniboia, each spent many years volunteering at the Assiniboia and District Historical Museum.
“Our Board is excited that Bernice and Lorraine are being recognized for all the hard work they have put into making our Museum the jewel that it is,” said the museum board.
Lorraine Silzer has given 26 years of continual service to the museum, only recently stepping down from her role as member of the board. She has made many contributions over the years, including as a researcher. She has restored showcases for the museum’s many collections. Lorraine also spent time with her church volunteering for banquets and fundraisers and still found the time to be a member of the church choir.
Bernice Woolhouse has been an enthusiastic and devoted volunteer who has given almost 30 years to the museum. Being a former member of the board, Bernice played a key role in planning and building the museum’s current facility. She developed numerous displays over the years. One of her many accomplishments is an acquisition of a navy uniform and display mannequin. She helped with “Christmas through the world,” a fall car “Show and Shine” and many other fundraisers over the years.
Thank you and congratulations to all the 2020 Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal recipients.
