Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies Invites Nominations for the 2023 Knights of Pythias Community Volunteer Award
Nancy Banks, the recipient of the 2022 Knights of Pythias Community Volunteer Award
Lisa Barnes (left), CFKR Chair, with Jim Nicol (right), the reciepient of the 2021 Knights of Pythias Community Volunteer Award
Cranbrook, BC (November 2, 2023) – As we approach the season of giving, the Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies (CFKR) is delighted to invite nominations for the 2023 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. Nominations are open from November 2nd to November 22nd and can be submitted quickly and easily via this link: https://forms.gle/Q6RoAQ4W5VvXRfp97.
The Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies will announce the 2023 recipient on Giving Tuesday, November 28th. The recipient will have the opportunity to direct $750.00 to a local CRA-registered charity/qualified donee of their choice.
In 2022, Nancy Banks received the Knights of Pythias Community Volunteer Award, in recognition of her over 25 years of volunteer service to the Christmas Wrap table in the Tamarack Centre Mall, which not only provides a valuable community service but also raises an average of $6,000.00 each year for the Canadian Cancer Society.
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; and Jim Nicol in 2021, in recognition of his leadership, dedication, and many volunteer contributions to the Cranbrook Community Forest Society.
For more information, please contact Lynnette Wray, CFKR Executive Director, by phone (250-426-1119) or email ([email protected]).
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.