A local volunteer has received the highest volunteer honour for her work in the community.
In a virtual ceremony via Zoom on Thursday Quinte West resident Jennifer Rainbird was presented with the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.
The medal is awarded to nominated individuals to recognize “exceptional volunteer achievements of Canadians from across the country in a wide range of fields.”
Former Loyalist College President Maureen Piercy explained more about why and how the medal is awarded.
“The medal is intended for an individual whose unpaid, voluntary contribution, often behind the scenes, provides extraordinary help or care on a sustained basis to individuals or groups in the community. Nominees must be living Canadian citizens or permanent residents but may belong to any age group. An independent advisory committee of seven members appointed by her excellency the Governor General meets through the year to review submissions. Once a nomination for a candidate is received, research is undertaken to confirm facts and a summary of information about each candidate is presented to the advisory committee for review.”
Piercy said that Rainbird has been deeply involved with both the Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation and Quinte Health Care as well as other local organizations.
She said that when she read the criteria for the award, Rainbird “immediately came to mind as an outstanding and deserving nominee.”
The Governor General delegated the presentation of the medal to Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison.
Mayor Harrison shared some words with Rainbird before he officially presented the medal.
“I, like others, I was so proud of what you’ve been able to do for our hospital in particular, but the Bay of Quinte Health Care system in general. So many of us are grateful, very grateful, for all the work that you’ve done. I know you’ve got a great partner, I know he’s not being recognized today, but most of us are dependent on somebody else.”
After hearing from numerous people congratulating her on her accomplishment, Rainbird had her chance to speak.
“I’m so humbled by the fact that I’m surrounded by people like all of you that are here on this Zoom call because you are all champions of so many things in so many fields that I’m quite overwhelmed. This community has so many people that have fought and have worked so hard in the trenches that I really am quite overwhelmed that I have been recognized when there are so many who could be.”
Rainbird shared a moment with her husband before officially being presented with the medal as applause rang out on the Zoom call.
