To celebrate Giving Tuesday, the Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies (CFKR) is thrilled to announce that Tony Bourke is the recipient of the 2025 Knights of Pythias Community Volunteer Award.

According to Lynnette Wray, CFKR Executive Director, “Following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is a special day to encourage and recognize generosity and charitable giving around the world.”

Wray added, “The Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies celebrates Giving Tuesday by recognizing an unsung hero, who generously volunteers their time and energy in a quiet, dedicated, and selfless manner, making a positive impact in Cranbrook and the surrounding area. Tony is an inspiring community volunteer who exemplifies the meaning of this award.”

Tony Bourke is a busy and dedicated community volunteer. Starting at the Cranbrook Food Bank in 2011, Tony volunteers four days a week, expertly managing “Tony’s Bread Shed,” weighing and recording incoming donations of food, and being an indispensable member of the team.

In 2011, Tony also began his volunteer career with the Cranbrook Hospital Auxiliary, sorting donations at the thrift store and assisting patients and visitors at the hospital. About five years ago, Tony joined the Key City Theatre volunteer team as well.

As the 2025 recipient of CFKR’s Community Volunteer Award recipient, Tony is designating the accompanying $750 donation to KidSport Cranbrook, to assist local children and youth with the costs of participating in sports.

According to Julie Rose, Cranbrook Food Bank Society Executive Director and Tony’s nominator, “Tony is more than a volunteer; he’s part of the fabric of our community. His grit, perseverance, and lifelong commitment to serving others inspire everyone who has the privilege of knowing him.

“He embodies the value of staying active, engaged, and connected to one’s community, and stands as a role model for what it means to live a life of purpose and kindness. Cranbrook is better because of him, and he is genuinely deserving of this recognition.”

CFKR is honoured to steward the Knights of Pythias endowment fund, which includes the direction to recognize a community volunteer on an annual basis, including a donation to the recipient’s charity of choice. Previous award winners of the formerly named “Sustainable Community Builder Award” include:

• 

  Laura Kennedy in 2024, in recognition of her life-long dedication to community service, leading and supporting multiple groups, committees, and boards, including youth programs, Rails to Trails, Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce Turkey Drive, Sam Steele Days/Spirit of the Rockies, and Cranbrook Rotary.

• Mike LeClair in 2023, in recognition of his dedicated volunteerism to establish and lead the Therapeutic Paws of Canada chapter in Cranbrook, which offers free therapy pet visits throughout the community;
• Nancy Banks in 2022 for her over 25 years of volunteer service to the Christmas Wrap table in the Tamarack Centre Mall, which provides a valuable community service and raises significant funds for the Canadian Cancer Society;
• Jim Nicol in 2021, recognizing his leadership, dedication, and many volunteer contributions to the Cranbrook Community Forest Society;
• Colin Campbell in 2020, posthumously awarded, in recognition of his significant community contributions through Rotary, the Masons, and various community projects;
• Jean-Ann Debreceni in 2018, for her many years of service with the East Kootenay Community/StellerVista Credit Union Board, Cranbrook Community Theatre, Cranbrook Garden Club, Key City Theatre, and Fort Steele Heritage Town;
• Donna Brady Fields in 2017, for her dedication to and advocacy for the United Way and their funding recipients, including poverty reduction, food security and many social issues that impact the community;
• Robert Williams in 2016, celebrating his many contributions to ʔaq̓am and the Ktunaxa Nation;
• Gord Johnston in 2015, recognizing his work with the Cranbrook Boys’ and Girls’ Club (now BGC Cranbrook) and Habitat for Humanity.

Lead image: Julie Rose, Cranbrook Food Bank Society Executive Director, and Tony Bourke, right, recipient of CFKR’s 2025 Knights of Pythias Community Volunteer Award, in front of “Tony’s Bread Shed,” at the Cranbrook Food Bank. Photo submitted

Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies

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