A longtime volunteer from Weyburn, Fred Sandeski, will be receiving a Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers in a virtual ceremony on Canada Day, with the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan.
He is a founder and volunteer with the Community Low Income Centre (CLIC) in Weyburn, and helps provide a number of free services to residents, including filing income taxes, a pro bono legal clinic and employment assistance for adults with disabilities.
Sandeski first learned that he was selected as a medal recipient for 2019, but when COVID-19 lockdowns hit in 2020, the ceremonies were postponed, and organizers decided to go ahead with the ceremonies virtually this year.
“I was really excited when I was told of this honour. I’m not really sure how the nomination was approved,” he said. He knew an application went out from CLIC, but he didn’t give it too much thought until he was notified a few months later that he was selected to receive a medal.
The Lieutenant Governor will present the medals on behalf of the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General at a virtual ceremony that will be aired on July 1, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. The event link will be posted at https://ltgov.sk.ca/. The recipients were to be honoured at a May 22, 2020 ceremony that was postponed due to the pandemic.
Through the CLIC programs, Sandeski has been able to help people in a number of ways, including acting as an advocate with Social Services, and helping those on limited incomes do budgeting so their needs are taken care of.
As an advocate, he’s helped to lobby for his clients when they run into roadblocks or are in need of fair treatment in terms of what programs are available to them.
Sandeski works with a board of directors at CLIC, which is housed at the CMHA building in Weyburn, and with them they decide what issues to address and which programs they will continue to provide for residents.
He is happy that his efforts and the work of CLIC are receiving recognition in this way, and he hopes that the publicity for receiving the medal will help the centre to continue with their work.
The Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers recognizes exceptional volunteer achievements from across Canada, celebrating a wide range of voluntary contributions. The medal recognizes living Canadians who have made a significant, sustained and unpaid contribution to their community, in Canada or abroad.
Through their efforts, they have made a difference in fields including the arts, organized sports, youth and community organizations, and social issues. Their achievements include long-term, significant fundraising or lifetime dedication to service within community organizations.
Nominations for the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the year. If you know an inspiring individual who deserves recognition for making a significant, sustained and unpaid contribution that has had a positive impact on their community in Canada or brought honour to Canada abroad, nominate them today!
