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Gerriann Donahue Area F Volunteer of the Year
Gerriann Donahue has been honoured as the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Electoral Area F Volunteer of the Year.
“Gerriann has taken on countless volunteer roles in the Valley over the years,” said RDEK Electoral Area F Director Susan Clovechok.
“She has been a valued member of the Friends of Invermere Public Library for the past decade, a long-serving member of the Board of Directors of the Invermere Seniors Association and has greeted Columbia Valley Rockies fans at the ticket table for over 15 years.”
Through the library, Donahue is the authority for children’s literature. She organizes the books into appropriate categories, volunteers at used book sales, and works with volunteers of all ages and abilities to set up the children’s section at the sales. During COVID, her ability to think outside the box brought forth the idea for the BIG Book Sale, which was held outdoors and with health protocols.
The sale has proved so popular that it continues to be held every August long weekend. She also suggested the pop-up book sales, which are held in the parking lot next to the Invermere Farmers’ Market in June and September.
Donahue has initiated and continues to facilitate many programs for the Seniors’ organization. Some of these programs include fitness, yoga, carpet bowling, floor curling, scrapbooking, cribbage, poker, and many more.
“An especially inspiring initiative created by Gerriann has been the Inter-Generational Program, which allows Kindergarten, Grade 1, and Grade 2 children from a local elementary school to spend a few valuable hours engaging and sharing educational and social time with RDEK seniors,” said Clovechok.
She is also widely known for her emails to Seniors Association members that keep everyone informed about activities, community events, health issues, and important advocacy.
A long-time volunteer for the Columbia Valley Rockies, hockey fans will know her as the smiling face at the ticket table, helping with prizing, facilitating fundraising events, and cheering the team on all the while.
“Gerriann is an inspiration to all around her, and her tireless efforts have improved the lives of everyone who lives in Area F and far beyond,” added Clovechok.
Donahue was honoured last night at the Electoral Area F Town Hall meeting in Windermere.
Lead image: Gerriann Donahue, left, with Electoral Area F Director Susan Clovechok.RDEK photo
RDEK
