CFKR Invites Nominations for the 2024 Knights of Pythias Community Volunteer Award

Mike LeClair, recipient of the 2023 Community Volunteer Award (right) with Sean Campbell, past CFKR Director (left)

Cranbrook, BC (November 5, 2024) – As we approach the season of giving, the Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies (CFKR) is delighted to invite nominations for the 2024 Knights of Pythias Community Volunteer Award.

This award recognizes an unsung hero who volunteers their time and energy in a quiet, dedicated, and selfless manner, making a positive impact in Cranbrook and the surrounding area. Preference will be given to nominees who have not previously received a community/volunteerism award from another organization.

Nominations are open from November 5th to November 25th and can be submitted quickly and easily via this online form: https://forms.gle/iiGxrueqvDPU7KxPA.     

The Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies will announce the 2024 recipient on Giving Tuesday, December 3rd. The recipient will have the opportunity to direct $750.00 to a local CRA-registered charity/qualified donee of their choice.

In 2023, Mike LeClair received the Knights of Pythias Community Volunteer Award, in recognition of his dedicated volunteerism to establish and lead the Therapeutic Paws of Canada chapter in Cranbrook, which offers free therapy pet visits throughout the community.

CFKR is honoured to steward the Knights of Pythias endowment fund, which includes the direction to recognize a community volunteer on an annual basis, including a donation to the recipient’s charity of choice. Previous award winners of the formerly named “Sustainable Community Builder Award” include:

  • Gord Johnston in 2015, recognizing his work with the Cranbrook Boys and Girls Club and Habitat for Humanity;
  • Robert Williams in 2016, celebrating his many contributions to ʔaq̓am and the Ktunaxa Nation;
  • Jean-Ann Debreceni in 2018, for her many years of service with the East Kootenay Community Credit Union Board, Cranbrook Community Theatre, Cranbrook Garden Club, Key City Theatre, and Fort Steele Heritage Town;
  • Colin Campbell in 2020, posthumously awarded, in recognition of his significant community contributions through Rotary, the Masons, and various community projects;
  • Jim Nicol in 2021, recognizing his leadership, dedication, and many volunteer contributions to the Cranbrook Community Forest Society;
  • Nancy Banks in 2022 for her over 25 years of volunteer service to the Christmas Wrap table in the Tamarack Centre Mall, providing a valuable community service and raising significant funds for the Canadian Cancer Society.

For more information, please contact Lynnette Wray, CFKR Executive Director, by phone (250-426-1119) or email ([email protected]).

 

Nancy Banks, recipient of the 2022 Community Volunteer Award

Jim Nicol, recipient of the 2021 Community Volunteer Award (right), with Lisa Barnes, CFKR Director (left)

Knights of Pythias

In 2010, upon the surrender of their Charter and dissolution of their Lodge, the Knights of Pythias Crescent Lodge No. 33 gifted the then Cranbrook and District Community Foundation with $25,000, to establish the Knights of Pythias Crescent Lodge No. 33 endowment fund. The Knights of Pythias Crescent Lodge, and their companion branch, the Pythian Sisters, had a long history in Cranbrook, and, at one time, owned a hall located between City Hall and Rotary Park. They contributed to many charities and good works in this area.

The Fraternal Order Knights of Pythias began in 1864 and was the first non-sectarian fraternal order to receive a charter by a special act of the United States Congress, when Abraham Lincoln was President. It is based on the legendary friendship of Damon and Pythias during the ancient days of Syracuse and the philosopher Pythagoras. Pythians practice Friendship, Charity, and Benevolence.