MOOSE JAW — Saskatchewan Lt.-Gov. Bernadette McIntyre has recognized two Moose Jaw residents for their community efforts by announcing that they will receive the 2024 Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal.
Creighton (Wayne) Cameron and Lyle Johnson will both receive the prestigious medal, along with 12 other Saskatchewanians, during a ceremony on April 29 at Government House in Regina during National Volunteer Week.
“The 2024 recipients of the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal have made tremendous contributions over several decades, benefiting numerous organizations and communities,” McIntyre said.
“As someone who has had the pleasure of working with volunteers for many years, I am delighted to help recognize these exceptional individuals for their generosity and commitment to improving the lives of others.”
The province provided biographies about each recipient.
About Cameron, the province said he is a dedicated volunteer with a passion for service and leadership. As a board member of RuBarb Productions, he helped secure funding and promote local theatre.
Furthermore, he has served as president of Toastmasters, judged oratorical contests, and led a backpack program for students in Costa Rica. A committed volunteer with multiple organizations, Cameron’s contributions earned him the Wakamow Rotary Club’s Service Above Self Award and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.
About Johnson, the province said the retired lieutenant colonel, OMM, CD, is a retired high school teacher and has dedicated his life to education, community service and the arts.
During his career at A.E. Peacock Collegiate, he produced and directed over 60 theatrical productions. Furthermore, he is the founder of Moose Jaw Crime Stoppers and has served on its board since 1985.
Johnson has also been a volunteer with the Army Cadet League of Canada since 1972 and is a retired lieutenant colonel in the Canadian Armed Forces with 45 years of service. He also hosts Moose Jaw This Week and continues to mentor youths and contribute to local organizations.
The provincial government established the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal in 1995 — during the province’s 90th birthday — to recognize the extraordinary work volunteers do across the province. Since its creation, it has been awarded to 271 deserving individuals.
“Saskatchewan has the highest rate of volunteerism in Canada. Each volunteer reaches outside his or her personal activities to help others and make daily life in our province better for everyone,” the government said.
“Formal recognition of volunteers is a way both of expressing the gratitude of the community and of presenting role models to the people of the province.”
While the Saskatchewan Order of Merit — established in 1985 as the province's highest honour — recognizes volunteer or community service, this is only one among many fields of endeavour for which the Order is bestowed. Before 1995, the provincial government did not adequately recognize the volunteer sector in Saskatchewan.
The Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal is silver, circular in form, and suspended by a V-shaped clasp from a ribbon of green and gold, the provincial colours. It bears the Saskatchewan shield of arms and has the Crown and the motto Nos ipsos dedimus (We Gave of Ourselves).
Recipients also receive a circular silver lapel pin displaying the Saskatchewan shield of arms superimposed on a “V,” a certificate, and are entitled to use the post-nominal letters S.V.M.
For more information about the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal, click here.
Editor's note: This article has been updated to correct a name.
