The Town of Esterhazy has named Reg Knezacek their volunteer of the year.
Esterhazy director of recreation Brenda Redman says the town names one person as the volunteer of the year each year but were delayed because of COVID-19.
“We have been doing this for some time on a yearly basis but this one got delayed a bit because of COVID and I was really hoping to do a volunteer appreciation. We were supposed to do one last year in April but of course, because of COVID, we haven’t been able to do it. It got delayed a bit,” said Redman.
She says the town receives nominations for volunteer of the year from local organizations and residents.
“Reg was nominated by Marlene Redbourne at the Royal Canadian Legion and also the North Valley Credit Union sent in a write-up regarding Reg and the years that he volunteered there. We just look at the applicants and they have to meet certain criteria and usually have something to do with something they’ve done in the last couple of years but Reg has done this his whole life.
“He was very easy to pick because Reg has been such an active member of our community that it was no problem, hands down, to award this to Reg and to recognize him for his years and years of community involvement right up until recently.”
In their nomination forms, both the Esterhazy Legion and North Valley Credit Union outlined the efforts Knezacek had made throughout the community in the past years.
Redman notes that Knezaceks efforts in bringing entertainment to the community played a huge role in his community involvement.
“I have to say his volunteerism at the Royal Canadian Legion has been one of the biggest things he’s done to bring joy to Esterhazy. He was such an active person and he loved to bring entertainment into our community.
“Reg brought in things like the tribute to Johnny Cash and I remember going to these events at the Legion and they were packed full and people were having so much fun.
“He brought in Brenda Lee Cottrel, Dueling Pianos which was so much fun, the Elvis impersonator, and Legendary Ladies. Not only did he bring in that for our community and help out the Legion as a fundraiser, but he was also known for being the DJ when the Legion had dances.”
Redman says that Knezacek not only brought entertainment to Esterhazy but also performed some of his own with his band.
“He was also a part of a band as well. He used to perform with his band at the Legion.”
Knezacek not only volunteered for the community, but he also sat on the Board of Directors with the North Valley Credit Union for 16 years and also served one term as MLA for the NDP.
In the North Valley Credit Union’s nomination form for Knezacek, they outline the volunteer hours Knezacek put into the community. His hours in 2018 were 1184 and 855 hours in 2019.
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #249 in Esterhazy shared their support for Knezacek in their nomination form, highlighting his volunteer efforts in events such as the organization of the ‘Beef-on-a-Bun’ event, something Redman says Knezacek was proud of.
“When we didn’t have COVID Reg was also a huge supporter of ‘Beef-on-a-Bun’. Reg was always there serving the beef on the bun. They were always amazing and Reg was right in there being so proud of the event and serving us supper.”
Redman notes Knezacek’s efforts impacts on the community and the joy he brought to Esterhazy.
“He was a very strong supporter with the North Valley Credit Union and he sat on their board for a number of years. He also was a very strong part of his church too. He volunteered for it during events if it was a bake sale or fundraising or whatever the church needed.
“He was also a part of planning parades, so like I said, I don’t think there was a single person in our community that he hasn’t touched the hearts of in one way or one form.”
