“For over 20 years, Harold Lefebvre has been dedicating his time to the Legion, serving at both the local and national levels. Though his work, his branch has maintained consistent membership numbers and revenues, constructed a new Legion building, and collaborated with other organizations to better serve the community.”
While it’s only a quick summary of the work done by one of St. Paul’s dedicated volunteers, the citation sums up some important points, and late last month, Lefebvre was joined by a number of other committed community members as he received the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.
The award is handed out as a sign of thanks, honouring the time, compassion and commitment recipients have given to a wide variety of community organizations, according to a media release from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta.
Fellow St. Paul Legion member Russ Whitford was the one who nominated Lefebvre for the award, saying he put the nomination forward based “on the merit of his volunteerism with the Legion,” and the success that had been achieved with Lefebvre as the president of the Legion.
“He’s been the primary instigator of a lot of positive growth in the Legion,” said Whitford, adding, the Legion property had gone through substantial developments when Lefebvre was president.
“He believes strongly in the purpose of the Legion,” said Whitford, who also acknowledged Lefebvre’s dedication to veterans and his fellow Legion members.
This year, 44 Albertans received the medal. The medals were presented at an Edmonton ceremony co-hosted by Lieutenant Governor Lois Mitchell and the Legislative Assembly of Alberta Speaker Robert Wanner, in late May.
This year’s medal recipients came from Barrhead, Beaumont, Devon, Edmonton, Fawcett, Leduc, Millet, Penhold, Red Deer, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Sturgeon County, Thorsby, Tofield, Vegreville, Wetaskiwin, and of course, St. Paul.
“These hardworking citizens are focused on building strong, caring and vibrant communities that allow all members to thrive. In this special birthday year for our country, it’s a particular pleasure to recognize some of the people who embody the best of what it means to be Canadian,” said the Honourable Lois E. Mitchell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, in the media release.
“It is an honour to recognize the tireless service of these deserving community leaders. These volunteers enrich the lives of Albertans and make a positive impact in our communities,” added the Honourable Robert Wanner, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta.
The Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers was first presented in Ottawa in April 2016. The medal, which is part of the National Honours System, recognizes the exceptional volunteer achievements of Canadians from across the country. The Medal incorporates and replaces the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award. Lieutenant Governor Mitchell presented the medals at the Edmonton ceremony on behalf of the Governor General of Canada.
