A well-known Williams Lake citizen will be recognized with the province’s newest honour, the Medal of Good Citizenship.
Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett, on behalf of Premier Christy Clark, will present Dave Dickson, 64, with the award during a ceremony next Tuesday, May 24 at 5 p.m. at Williams Lake City Hall.
Launched in July 2015 by Premier Clark, the prestigious Medal of Good Citizenship recognizes individuals who, through exceptional long-term service, have made outstanding contributions to their communities without expectation of remuneration or reward.
The medal reflects their generosity, service, acts of selflessness and contributions to community life. Nominations for the Medal of Good Citizenship are accepted year-round.
“I have always enjoyed helping other people and helping to make someone else feel or be a little better,” Dickson said. “When volunteering you get a lot back in return as you always meet outstanding people who share your mission to make your community a better place. I am certainly pleased to receive the honour, although it is not about me, it is about the wonderful people that I get to work with and serve, however large or small the task might be.”
Dickson said he is humbled by the acknowledgement.
“There are a zillion people out there who do all sorts of great things,” he said. “I volunteer because a lot of volunteers are great people to be with.”
He was honoured with the medal for his wide-ranging volunteer contributions made in the Williams Lake and Chilcotin Cariboo region, many of which have helped to make the community safer, reduced crime, and ensured those who are in need or vulnerable are taken care of.
His service to the community and countless hours of volunteering have benefited the Williams Lake Community Policing unit, Canadian Red Cross, Williams Lake Rotary Club, Northern BC Mobile Support Team with the Provincial Emergency Program, the local emergency support services team and the Canadian Cancer Society.
Among his many other contributions, Dickson was also instrumental in establishing a number of programs including the Mounted Citizens on Patrol, a first-of-its-kind program that sees local citizens ride horseback to patrol areas that are difficult to observe; Wandering program for those at risk of going missing; and the Positive Ticketing Program which rewards children for being positive citizens. He has been a member of the Cops for Cancer Tour de North team for a number of years, is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow and has been involved in a number of international projects.
“Dave Dickson is an excellent example of a British Columbia good citizen,” Barnett said. “His passion and hard work for the betterment of his community goes above and beyond. It is an honour to present him with the Medal of Good Citizenship.”
Dickson is among a select group of British Columbians who will receive the Medal of Good Citizenship.