Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations for Rural Development Donna Barnett, on behalf of Premier Christy Clark, will present Richard Bergen, a well-known Forest Grove citizen, with the Province’s newest honour, the Medal of Good Citizenship.

The ceremony will be held on May 27, 2016, at 7 p.m. at Forest Grove Community Centre, 4489 Eagle Creek Rd.

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.

(flickr.com)

Bergen will be honoured with the medal for his deep capacity to serve the Forest Grove community that benefit many of its citizens.

His service to community and countless hours of volunteering include a myriad of every day chores done with enthusiasm. His volunteerism includes helping with fire hall operations, mowing lawns and clearing snow for seniors and in public spaces, and volunteering at community activities. He is a regular volunteer at school track-and-field events and he helps coach students in shot put.

Bergen, who has limited use of his right hand and arm and requires a brace on his right leg following a devastating motor-vehicle accident at age seven, is a powerful role model for exemplary citizenship, making meaningful contributions throughout the community and supporting citizens of all ages.

Always willing to lend a hand, he helped found the Forest Grove 94 Lions Club, is involved with the Forest Grove Community Centre and helps organize a senior walking club, providing social time to a group of seniors. He is also an invaluable volunteer at the Forest Grove Fire Department, looking after dispatch, keeping the hall clean, preparing reports and ordering supplies.

Bergen is among a select group of British Columbians who will receive the Medal of Good Citizenship.

(flickr.com)

Quotes:

Premier Christy Clark –

“Over and above the countless hours that Richard Bergen volunteers to make Forest Grove a better place, he is an inspiration who has never allowed physical difficulties to stop him from making a difference.”

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

“There are many people who generously volunteer their time, effort and skills to make their community 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.”

Donna Barnett, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations for Rural Development, and MLA for the Cariboo Chilcotin –

“The Medal of Good Citizenship has been established to honour people who selflessly give their time to help their fellow citizens and their communities. Richard Bergen demonstrates this in spades each and every day, helping our organizations like the fire department, reaching out to seniors, helping at school events and just being there to help in many other small but important ways. This medal is a small way of showing our appreciation for his efforts.”

Richard Bergen, Medal of Good Citizenship recipient –

“Volunteering is rewarding and it comes naturally when I see things that need to be done. I don’t need a meeting to start things or get things completed. I was raised by firm parents who taught me to have a good work ethic, which I have kept all my life. I don’t volunteer for the pat on the back. It just makes me feel good to be able to do it.”

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 across 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

A backgrounder follows.