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Area F Volunteer of the Year recognized
Raylene Oram has been selected as the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Electoral Area F Volunteer of the Year for 2026.
“Raylene is the embodiment of community service. For decades, she has dedicated an extraordinary amount of time, energy, and heart to organizations that support people of all ages and all walks of life throughout the Columbia Valley,” said RDEK Electoral Area F Director Susan Clovechok.
Oram oversees volunteers for hamper distribution with the Columbia Valley Food Bank, helping ensure that families and individuals in need receive support with dignity and care. She volunteers weekly at the Invermere Health Care Auxiliary Thrift Shop and has been a driving force with the Lake Windermere District Lions Club, where she has served in several leadership roles over the years.
A long-standing volunteer with the Columbia Valley Rockies, where Raylene has been involved since 2006. What began as helping on game days evolved into years of dedicated leadership as Secretary and Treasurer.
She has played an important role in budgeting, financial oversight, fundraising events, the golf tournament, and Bull Riding in the Rockies.
She is still there at games, still helping where needed, and for the past several seasons, she has also opened her home as a billet mom, welcoming players and supporting them as a mentor and caregiver away from home.
Beyond all of this, Raylene continues to serve as Treasurer for Lakeview Manor Society, contributes to her local community board, and is always willing to lend a hand to other community efforts, from bonspiels to the Christmas Bureau to community events and fundraisers.
“What stands out most about Raylene is not only the number of hours she gives, but the way she gives them, with strong leadership and with a remarkable ability to keep things moving forward. She is dependable, thoughtful, and never afraid to take on the hard work that comes with volunteering and leadership,” added Clovechok
Oram was recognized at the Area F Information Meeting held last night in Windermere.
Lead image: Electoral Area F Director Susan Clovechok and Volunteer of the Year Raylene Oram. RDEK photo
RDEK
