St. John Ambulance honours its volunteers
ELMWOOD – St. John Ambulance Grey Bruce Huron Branch held its Honours and Recognition Dinner at the Elmwood community centre on June 19.
Special guest West Grey Mayor Kevin Eccles, said, “In a rural community, volunteers are our lifeblood.”
He went on to say that St. John Ambulance volunteers are of great importance to West Grey and the community at large. “You go where you’re asked to go, with a smile on your face, and dedication,” he said.
MC Tony Alberts and branch chair Kathy Murphy Ermel provided an overview of the organization’s accomplishments throughout the past year.
Said Ermel, over 5,182 individuals participated in training programs in Grey, Bruce and Huron counties, including courses in first aid, CPR and AED, Medical First Response, babysitting and mental health first aid. “That is 5,182 people who now know how to save a life.”
Ermel also noted many significant donations over the past year. Special mention went to the Larry Bannerman Foundation ($4,000) and Bruce Grey United Way ($2,500 toward first aid training for Grey Bruce Mentorship). St. John Ambulance was named in the Estate of Wilbert Phillippi, in the amount of $253,000, a portion of which enabled the organization to purchase two new vehicles that will enhance St. John’s ability to serve our communities safely and reliably.
Alberts described volunteer activities that include Medical First Responders attending 78 community events and caring for 39 patients. Therapy Dogs made 984 visits in 154 facilities across the three counties.
Said Alberts, “Our Medical First Response volunteers gave 4,802 hours of their time … 50 Therapy Dog volunteers and their 49 furry companions gave 3,860 hours.”
In addition, the six members of the volunteer board of directors provided 1,364 hours of input, advice and, when needed, brute strength, he said.
It all added up to 10,026 volunteer hours in 2023.
A number of volunteers were presented with lifetime volunteer hours awards, including Aase Kelly – 3,000 hours, and Anna Smith and Chris Motsch – 2,000 hours.
Therapy Dog members honoured for 75 visits were Myra – Kimberley Martin, Arthur – Judith Bannister, and Sophie – Wanita Pelly (Judi MacArthur).
Recipients of long service awards were Kathleen (Kaye) Parker – 25 year bar, Matthew Walter – 15 year bar, and Lloyd Burrow and Susan Harrison – 10-year medal.
Special presentation
Two Ontario Medical First Responder Competition teams were honoured with a special presentation – 2023 – third place – William Charman, James Spaetzel (coach – Tim Rees); 2024 – second place – Joshua Brindley, Nicole Long, Phoebe Martin (spare), (coach – Matthew Walter).
Special branch community services awards were presented to Stephen Palmer – highest number of Therapy Dog member hours, Mark Carlson – highest number of duty hours for 008 Owen Sound, Joshua Brindley - highest number of duty hours 379 Hanover, Sam Romyn - highest number of duty hours 901 Brussels, Richard (Dick) Beresford – member’s choice award Therapy Dog, Bernadette Mervyn – member’s choice award MFR 008, Joshua Brindley – member’s choice award MFR 379, Nicole Long - Medical First Response volunteer of the year, Lloyd Burrow – Therapy Dog volunteer of the year, Matthew Walter – leader of the year.
Awards of thanks were presented to Matthew Walter – logistics, Robert Wiersma – instructor-trainer achievements, Thomas (Rob) Walter – long service, and Judith (Judi) MacArthur – exceptional service.
Pauline Kerr, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Walkerton Herald Times
