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Local Brownies recognized nationally for their Girl Greatness

Girls receive awards for courage and confidence
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Last year, Katie Halladay also received national recognition by the Girl Guides of Canada for responding to her little brother Brody’s medical crisis, receiving a Girl Greatness award for confidence.

Two Williams Lake girls have been recognized nationally now two years in a row for their Girl Greatness.

Bella Hilton Erlandson, 7, received word earlier this month that she is the national recipient of the Girl Greatness Award for Courage given by the Girl Guides of Canada for her role in calling for help as her mother suffered a seizure.

“I was really happy she received it,” said her proud mom, Brittani. “It shows her when you help someone good things can happen.”

It was the morning of Jan. 5, 2017 when Bella witnessed for the first time her mom having a seizure, and she jumped into action by calling 9-1-1 and waiting for help to arrive.

Brittani said she and her husband had taught their daughter how to call for help due to Brittani’s unpredictable medical condition, but were unsure how she’d handle it.

“She did amazing. She didn’t panic at all.”

Only her first year in Brownies, Bella also worked to earn all 83 Brownie badges in just one year.

Another Williams Lake Brownie Katie Halladay was awarded a national Girl Greatness for Confidence award in 2016 for assisting her little brother while he was having a seizure.

“He was just frozen,” Katie said of noticing her brother Brody’s condition while in the checkout line at Walmart last year. “I’m allowed to pinch him when this happens and I did and there was no response. It was scary.”

Since that time Brody has been prescribed medication to help with his condition, but his mom, Brown Owl Jenny Halladay, says having a second set of eyes to keep Brody safe is helpful.

“They are very close. It’s been wonderful.”



Angie Mindus

About the Author: Angie Mindus

A desire to travel led me to a full-time photographer position at the Williams Lake Tribune in B.C.’s interior.
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