Tolko recently announced the two winners of its Community Citizen Award, but there were also a lot of great nominations that deserve some recognition. The award celebrates two employees who have shown outstanding support for their community while reflecting Tolko’s values of respect and integrity. To keep the momentum going from National Volunteer Week 2019, let’s take a look at more Tolko employees who contribute to the communities in which they live and work.
Graeme Duncan, Armstrong
Graeme Duncan turned his passion for fastball into coaching and giving back to the community, and he’s held many volunteer positions with several fastball and softball organizations. Over the years, Graeme has coordinated and volunteered at countless coaching clinics, pitching clinics, hitting clinics, tournaments, and winter gym ball clinics.
Jamie Beaulne, Cariboo Woodlands
Jamie Beaulne started coaching hockey eight years ago and presently coaches four teams. He coaches and is the Vice President of the Lacrosse Association, and he works tirelessly to recruit new kids. Jamie also volunteers for the Gavin Lake Forest Education Society and is currently the Vice-President and Director.
Jenny Ehman, High Prairie
Volunteering started early for Jenny Ehman as she was a member of the Safety Patrol Committee in elementary school and then 4-H and Junior Forest Wanders in Junior High. At Tolko, Jenny has volunteered with the High Prairie Volunteer Fire Department, the Lesser Slave Watershed Counsel, Endurance Riders of Alberta Association, and the Agricultural Society.
Jerod Zaleski, Kelowna
Jerod Zaleski is the Assistant Coach for Kelowna Secondary School Varsity Football Team. He spends countless hours as a volunteer coach and mentor for the Kelowna Owls. Jerod develops leadership qualities in the young players. Jerod commits his time year-round organizing, coaching, and mentoring.
Jim Haxton, Kelowna
As the Chairman of the Board and an active volunteer with the Lake Country Food Bank, Jim Haxton has led the organization through growth and change. The new food bank building was built and set up with grants donations and volunteer hours. Jim spent many hours volunteering while it was under construction and continues to be involved with the organization.
More nominees:
Brett Stickles, Armstrong
Brett Stickles serves as a volunteer fire fighter out of BX Swan Lake Fire Department and is a youth leader at the Grace Bible Church in Vernon. He is a positive influence on other workers and his peers in the community. He will go out of his way to make people smile and always has something positive to say about his co-workers.
Brett VanderHoek, Vernon
Brett VanderHoek is actively involved in the community by volunteering with non-profits, fundraising for charitable organizations, serving as a member of a board and a committee, coaching and mentoring, and participating in Tolko Community Investment initiatives. He consistently demonstrates Tolko’s values at work and in the community. Brett has done volunteer work with many organizations including BCSPCA, Easter Seals, 4-H Canada, Starfish Pack, and Habitat for Humanity.
Candace Smith, High Level
Candace Smith always goes out of her way to lend a hand to groups that need help and is very involved. She is the Treasurer of the High Level Play Association, which raises funds to ensure that underprivileged youth have arts and sports opportunities. Candace is also the Treasurer of the High Level Ladies Golf League; a key volunteer for the Tolko Canada Day Community Breakfast; and a volunteer for many events throughout the year including the High Level Ag Society Rodeo, Smile cookie campaign, Oilmen’s golf tourney, Fest of Ales, and designated driver programs.
Don Wilson, Nicola Valley
Don Wilson has done extensive volunteer work in the Merritt Community. He’s involved with the Elks and is the leader for Elks 441’s campground and building committees. Don is also the vice president on the board of directors of NVCL (Skalula), a community learning center for mentally challenged adult clients. He canvases every spring for the Canadian Kidney Foundation, he’s on the local curling club executive, and he coaches the weekly junior curling program for children.
COMING SOON: Look for more employee nominees to get their share of the spotlight.
