Joan LeMoine, a well-known Parksville citizen and community ambassador, was presented today with the province’s newest honour, the Medal of Good Citizenship, by Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation Michelle Stillwell, on behalf of Premier Christy Clark.

Launched in July 2015 by Premier Clark, the prestigious Medal of Good Citizenship recognizes individuals who, through exceptional long-term service, have made outstanding contributions to their communities without expectation of remuneration or reward. The medal reflects their generosity, service, acts of selflessness and contributions to community life. Nominations for the Medal of Good Citizenship are accepted year-round.

LeMoine was honoured with the medal for her contribution to many Parksville organizations and events touching a range of citizens from young people with special needs to senior citizens living alone, as well as to those looking for family fun.

Her service to community and countless hours of volunteering include working with organizations such as:  

• The Society of Organized Services (SOS);
• Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock fundraising campaign;
• Branch 49 of the Royal Canadian Legion;
• Tim Hortons Camp Day fundraising campaign, which helps send children with special needs to camp; and
• Coffee with Council, which provides an opportunity to spend one-on-one time with the Mayor or council members.

Through the Oceanside Community Safety Volunteers, she calls seniors living alone to ensure their well-being and offer friendly conversation.

Among her many other contributions, LeMoine was also instrumental in re-establishing the Parkville Beach Festival Society that now organizes a world-famous sand-sculpting event. She and her late husband helped form the Parksville Beach Festival Society in 1999 and convinced the city that a family-friendly event would be, once again, viable. Last summer, the festival broke all attendance records with more than 104,400 people from all over the world attending.

LeMoine put in countless hours over her 15 years as volunteer co-ordinator of the society and helped grow its solvency. Today the society diverts a portion of ticket sales to other philanthropic groups and, to date, close to $350,000 has been distributed to other non-profits and community projects.

LeMoine, now in her eighties, is among a select group of British Columbians who will receive the Medal of Good Citizenship. The first recipient was John Phare, a tree faller from Roberts Creek, who was posthumously honoured with the medal last fall after he was killed while fighting the Old Sechelt Mine fire in July.

Quotes:

Premier Christy Clark –

“Joan LeMoine is a real unsung hero, having selflessly given her time and talents to causes that have made Parksville a better place. I can’t think of a more deserving recipient of the Medal of Good Citizenship.”

Michelle Stillwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation –

“Joan LeMoine has enriched and touched many lives in Parksville by her devotion and love for the community. She’s an example of how one person can truly make a difference. We are extremely lucky to have her. It is an absolute pleasure to honour Joan with the Medal of Good Citizenship.”

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, chair of the Medal of Good Citizenship selection committee –

“There are many people who generously volunteer their time, effort and skills to make their communities better and this honour acknowledges their excellence, achievement and service. The time spent reviewing nominations was inspiring and it reinforced to me that we live in a province where each and every-day citizens can make a difference through their generosity and selflessness.”

Joan LeMoine, Medal of Good Citizenship recipient –

“I am totally flabbergasted to receive this award. I have done these things in my community because I want to, not because I want anything. I was raised in the Depression and if my mother baked a loaf of bread, we shared it. And if someone thanked you and gave a smile that was appreciation enough. That’s just the way you live. And it’s how I continue to live.”

Quick Facts:

• The Medal of Good Citizenship was launched in 2015 to recognize individuals who, through exceptional long-term volunteer efforts, have made outstanding contributions to the well-being of their communities.
• Nominations for the Medal of Good Citizenship are accepted year-round.
• All regions in the province were represented on the Medal of Good Citizenship selection committee and members came from various professional backgrounds.
• More than 220 nominations were reviewed.
• Additional medal presentation ceremonies will be held throughout the province in the coming months.

Learn More:

To learn more about the medal, or to nominate a good citizen in your community, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/medalofgoodcitizenship

To view photos of recipient ceremonies, visit: https://flic.kr/s/aHskw9MKjm

To learn more about previous Medal of Good Citizenship recipient John Phare: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2015PREM0070-001660