Scott Boyes of La Ronge is being recognized for his work in the community last year with a Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal.
Boyes will receive the award for the significant part he has played in organizing activities for youth in the community. Boyes has a lengthy record of volunteerism and has filled the following roles:
- Board member, La Ronge minor hockey, judo club, ski club and the Don Allen Saskaloppet, Saskatchewan’s largest ski race
- Member, Kikinahnk Friendship Centre Board
- Founding Member, La Ronge Recycling Centre
- Chair, Cadet Sponsoring Committee and fundraising
- Cadet Instructor Cadre, and CO of 889 Osprey RCACS, teaching citizenship and leadership skills to youth
- Big Brother, Lloydminster Big Brothers Association
- Director, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 371
- President, Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association
- Chair, 2008 Western Canadian Cross-Country Ski Championships
- Director, La Ronge Chamber of Commerce
- Coach for youth hockey, baseball, and biathlon
Boyes says that volunteering is a great way for individuals to meet new people and that volunteering provides more than just community benefits.
“Obviously there are rewards for the community, those can be measured, and you’re quite simply, doing something good for somebody else. There are rewards in it for your self too because you feel good,” says Boyes. “I don’t think you can help but feel good when you volunteer and you try to improve something when you contribute… I believe deep down, everybody really likes to contribute, it’s also nice when you get a ‘thank you’.”
Boyes is also a recipient of the Faye Pacey Memorial Award for hockey volunteerism.
The volunteer medal is presented by the Lieutenant Governor each year to ten volunteers from across the province. Boyes and the nine other recipients for 2017 will receive their awards in a ceremony held in the week of April 15-21, which is recognized as National Volunteer Week.
According to Statistics Canada, Saskatchewan has the highest rate of volunteerism in the country.
(PHOTO: Scott Boyes. Photo courtesy of Scott Boyes.)