Minister of Energy and Mines and MLA for Kootenay East Bill Bennett, on behalf of Premier Christy Clark, will present a well-known Cranbrook citizen with the Province’s newest honour, the Medal of Good Citizenship.

The ceremony will be held at the Cranbrook Rotary Club meeting at noon on Thursday, May 26, in the Heritage Inn Ballroom, 803 Cranbrook St. N.

Launched in July 2015 by Premier Clark, the 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.

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Philip Henry Abbott, a retired businessman known to most as Bud, will receive the medal for his commitment to local service through his involvement in worthy causes like Rotary, Canadian Mental Health Association, Meals on Wheels and the Salvation Army. The big-hearted resident was active for years in the Cranbrook Community theatre and often still shows up with friends at an office building or two to sing Christmas carols or Happy Birthday.  

Abbott has sung regularly at local seniors homes for 40-plus years and his current singing group called “Buddn Frenz” continues to sing three times weekly for the ‘old folks’ in Cranbrook and Kimberley.  

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

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Quotes:

Premier Christy Clark  – 

“One of the most profound differences you can make at a low point in someone’s life is making them smile and laugh. Bud Abbott has been a ray of sunshine for countless people in Cranbrook and Kimberley, and is most deserving of the Medal of Good Citizenship.”

Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines and MLA for Kootenay East  – 

“Most everyone in the Kootenay area will know about the contributions that Bud Abbott has made to our community and region. The social fabric here is stronger for his work, all done without expectation of reward. In presenting this honour to him we can together celebrate him and all he has done.”

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour, 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.”

Bud Abbott, Medal of Good Citizenship recipient  –  

“Being presented with this medal is, of course, a real honour.  As a citizen of Cranbrook, I, like so many other citizens, have been fairly active in the community because I enjoy it.  But, I cannot recall doing anything that would merit such an honour.”

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Quick Facts:

• Premier Christy Clark launched the Medal of Good Citizenship 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.
• The committee reviewed more than 220 nominations.
• 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