As part of this year’s National Volunteer Week, Tolko is proud to announce the winners of our annual Community Citizen Award. The award was created to recognize employees who contribute to the communities in which they live and work.
- The winner for the BC region, representing Tolko locations west of the Rockies, is Brandi Rusk, HR Advisor, Total Rewards, at Vernon Office.
- The winner for the Prairie region, representing Tolko locations east of the Rockies, is Layne Herrin, OHS Supervisor at High Level.
- The winner for the U.S. region, newly added this year, is Adreial Hickman, Millwright at Southeastern Timber Products.
Brandi, Layne and Adreial will each be receiving funds that will be donated to the charitable organization of their choice.
In the community: Brandi Rusk
Brandi is very active in the Lavington community and volunteers with several local organizations. In support of the local school, she was a volunteer and secretary for several years for the Lavington Elementary Parent Advisory Council (PAC). Brandi is a committee member with the Lavington Community Association, and she leads the Lavington Recreation Program, which offers community-centered sports and recreation activities for youth. She has also volunteered with the Archway Society for more than five years.
Along with her outside volunteering, Brandi is also involved with community support at work. In 2023, she created the annual People & Services Pancake Breakfast at Tolko, which raised over $1,000 in its first year to support families in need.
“I am honored to receive the Community Citizenship Award,” says Brandi. “This recognition means a great deal to me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the Lavington Community Association, a charity that is close to my heart.”
In the community: Layne Herrin
Options for youth are limited in a small community, and Layne has been instrumental in keeping extracurricular activities open that encourage an active lifestyle, teamwork, building friendships and working towards common goals. Layne is the vice president of the High Level Stingrays children’s swimming club, a director on the board for High Level Minor Hockey, and a past coach for the High Level Soccer Association.
He has been heavily involved in volunteering and fundraising, and at the heart of his volunteer work is a selfless dedication to encouraging children to grow, to be part of a team and to build up these organizations so that they last well beyond his own children’s involvement. At work, Layne mentors many new people and leads by example to leave a lasting impression. His connections with others are authentic — he really gets to know people, and he actively encourages others to bring their best selves forward.
“I’m genuinely surprised — I never imagined I’d be a nominee, let alone the winner,” says Layne. “I’m deeply honored to receive this award and truly grateful to Tolko for supporting such an incredible program. It’s fulfilling to be part of a company that gives back to its communities and positively impacts people’s lives.”
In the community: Adreial Hickman
Adreial gives back to his community by donating his time and money to local youth organizations. For more than 10 years, he has coached youth football, little league baseball and girls’ softball. Along with coaching, he has also volunteered for countless hours as a referee for these leagues.
Adreial volunteers time to the Choctaw County Steelers Association to support their activities, and he has also organized fundraisers including barbeque dinners, car washes and bake sales. During his coaching and volunteering efforts, Adreial finds time to mentor youth involved with the association. In fact, some of the children he mentored have ended up working for Southeastern Timber Products, and many of them will say their choice was thanks to Adreial’s guidance.
“I am honored to be nominated for this award,” says Adreial. “I am even more humbled to be chosen. Everything I do is for the kids, and I am elated this award will benefit them.”
Congratulations to Brandi, Layne and Adreial — keep up the great work!
