MLA for Boundary-Similkameen Linda Larson, on behalf of Premier Christy Clark, will present Edwin Findlater, a well-known Okanagan Falls citizen, with the Province’s newest honour, the Medal of Good Citizenship.

The ceremony will be held Thursday, March 23 at 12:30 p.m. in the Club Room at the Okanagan Falls Elementary School.  

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.

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Findlater will be honoured with the medal for his dedication to the needs of veterans, persons facing special hardships, and the elderly.

Since taking up residence in the Southern Okanagan Valley 32 years ago, Findlater has served his community and the province in numerous voluntary and leadership positions, including president of the Penticton Red Cross, chair of the Okanagan Falls Legacy Fund, president of Branch 227 Canadian Legion for six years, chairman of the South Okanagan/Similkameen Legion Zone, chairman of the BC Yukon Legion Command for 15 years, chairman of Okanagan Falls Helping Hands, chairman and board trustee of Okanagan Falls United Church, past superintendent of St. John’s Ambulance, director for BC Summer Games in Penticton, and the security chief for BC Winter and Summer Games.

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In addition he has been a member of the RCMP Auxiliary for 10 years, volunteer for Iron Man Canada for 23 years, coach for Special Olympics, founder of Citizens on Patrol in Okanagan Falls and Penticton, an Air Cadet instructor, volunteer with Okanagan Falls Visitors Centre, and an organizer for Okanagan Falls Community Policing.

Among his many other contributions, Findlater was also instrumental in establishing the South Skaha Housing Society with the goal of developing affordable housing for seniors living in Okanagan Falls, and because of his vision and leadership, the project is becoming a real possibility.

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Arising from his 35 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces, and subsequently with the Royal Canadian Legion, Findlater has received the Minister of Veteran’s Affairs Commendation and the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award.

Findlater is among a select group of British Columbians who will receive the Medal of Good Citizenship over the next few months.

Quotes:

Premier Christy Clark –

“Edwin Findlater is the engine of Okanagan Falls – from the RCMP Auxiliary, Legion, and Red Cross, to events like Iron Man and the Special Olympics, Edwin has been the driving force making his community safer, stronger – and more fun.”

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

 “The Medal of Good Citizenship recognizes the people in our province who generously and selflessly volunteer their time, effort and skills to make their community better. It is inspiring to work with the selection committee to review nominations and see how one person can make a difference. This year, as we celebrate Canada s 150th anniversary, it is important to recognize individuals who make their communities and, ultimately, their country better.”

Linda Larson, MLA for Boundary-Similkameen –  

“The list of organizations that have benefited from Ed’s community service is lengthy and includes organizations focused on a wide range of ages and services. His exemplary service to the community of Okanagan Falls makes him highly deserving of the BC Medal of Good Citizenship.”

Edwin Findlater, Medal of Good Citizenship recipient –  

“When you live in a small community it is easy to find volunteer opportunities that give you a sense of accomplishment. I’ve been very fortunate to have had a successful and rewarding career in the military and once I retired I wanted to give something of myself to others in my community. This award is a culmination of a lot of work and time, but time well spent as I believe my unpaid voluntary contributions provide help or care to people in the community.

"Being a recipient of this medal is certainly a great honour and I feel very privileged.”

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.
• An independent Selection Committee reviews nominations and recommends recipients.
• All regions in the province were represented on the Medal of Good Citizenship Selection Committee and members came from various professional backgrounds.

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

Find out more about previous recipients of the Medal of Good Citizenship: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/celebrating-british-columbia/honours-and-awards/medal-good-citizenship/recipients