The committee had its work cut out for themselves, but in the end, Cathy Morse was named the 2014 Rotary Club Citizen of the Year.
The award was presented at the Annual Celebration of Excellence at the Badlands Community Facility Wednesday night, June 4. Morse was a finalist for the award along with the Atlas Coal Mine’s Linda Digby.
“I never wanted the accolades, I only wanted to make people feel better,” said an emotional Morse, upon acceptance of the award.
Morse has raised more than $200,000 over the last 10 years through her Cuts For Cancer initiative at the Chop Shop. This was inspired by the loss of her mother to cancer. In its first year, it was a success raising $1,200. Undeterred, she nurtured the event into a premier fundraiser for the Drumheller and Area Health Foundation.
“Not a penny of this money leaves Drumheller or the surrounding area. It has gone toward better care for patient in and out of the hospital, medications, transportation, equipment, the cancer clinic and palliative care room,” said Vicki Wilton in her address to Morse.
“Cathy started this as a way to remember and honour those who she lost and what a beautiful and fitting remembrance it has been. What better way to remember other people than by helping scores of other people.”
Finalist Linda Digby was not at the Celebration of Excellence, but did send words, delivered by Jay Russell of the Atlas Coal Mine.
Not only was she appreciative of the nominations, but the support of the Rotary and the community in working to preserve local heritage.
“ I believe the world is a better place when communities remember and honour our past. When we remember where we have been, it reminds us to make more thoughtful choices about where we are going.”
Morse was not the only winner this evening. Sasi Sivamayam of Freson Bros. and Margaret “Pinkie” Molyneux of the Drumheller RCMP Detachment were nominated for Most Courteous Employee. Sivamayam took home the honour. In his years at Freson Bros., he has made an impact, lauded by customers, his employer and coworkers alike.
“Sasi is always thinking of his customers and many feel uplifted and happy after passing through his till,” said Cody Glydon in his dedication to Sivamayam.
He was grateful for the award.
“I am overwhelmingly humbled by the kindness and appreciation shown to me by the people of Drumheller,” he said.
He recounted walking on a cold day, not long after he arrived in Drumheller, to Freson Bros. to apply for a job.
“A kind man offered a ride and introduced himself as Mayor Bryce Nimmo. I was really astonished by this courteous person offering a ride to a complete stranger. This incident set an example of the goodness of the people of Drumheller, and was an encouragement to me,” he said.
“My current job is closest to my heart.”
Molyneux was grateful for the nominations. She has 33 years of service and is the “backbone of the detachment.”
The Celebration of Excellence was also an opportunity for the Town of Drumheller to present three of its prestigious youth awards.
Maria Patterson was awarded the 2014 Badlands Scholarship. Applicants are assessed on academic performance, community involvement, achievement and personal reference. Her mother Cathy Kuntz accepted the award on her behalf.
Elizabeth Hartman was awarded the Leaders of Tomorrow Award for Grades 7-9 and Bailey Kakuk received the award for Grades 10-12.
Recipients have made outstanding contributions to the community through volunteerism.
