Danny Brown has received a Medal of Good Citizenship, the province’s newest honour, from Shirley Bond, minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, in recognition of his past and continuing years of volunteer work in the community.
“I truly believe this medal was designed for people just like you,” she said at a ceremony on Thursday morning.
Brown was nominated by Linda Kubinec, recreation coordinator for the city.
“He has energy, passion, is flexible, creative, reliable, trustworthy and committed,” she said. “He is patient and friendly, knowledgeable, which keeps the public entertained, whether he is driving the seniors, giving a history presentation or organizing events for the church. The main reason I nominated [Brown] for the award was because he has been volunteering in Campbell River for over 50 years…our community is definitely a better place because of his volunteer work.”
Brown humbly accepted the medal on behalf of all of the many volunteer groups he works with in the city.
“I’ve been blessed with good health, living in Campbell River and with the ability to volunteer with the many organizations that have been mentioned,” he said. “This brings a ray of sunshine to people, young people and people that are not so young. And during my interaction with those people, that is the most gratifying part.”
Brown uses his passion for history and his experience from 39 years of working in the forest industry to educate and entertain. At the museum, Brown gives students lively presentations on pioneer, fishing and logging history. When the museum’s 1930 Hayes-Anderson logging truck appears in parades and at local events, it is because Brown has taken on its care and maintenance.
The narrator for historical boat tours, Brown has produced a number of presentations on the local history of the area. These presentations are given at the museum, Elder College and around town and it is his voice narrating an episode of Canada Over the Edge about the Ripple Rock explosion on the Knowledge Network.
Brown has also been a steadfast member of the Knights of Columbus since 1963, serving as financial secretary and on its Community Christmas Hamper Project Committee.
Brown is active in other community groups including St. Patrick’s Parish, Employee and Family Assistance Program (now known as the Upper Island Assessment and Referral Service), the City of Campbell River Parks and Recreation, the Age-Friendly Committee and the Multicultural and Immigration Services Association.
“Volunteering can be just as simple as saying hello,” Brown said.”My advice today is, be kind to some person today.”
Launched in July 2015 by Premier Christy Clark, the Medal of Good Citizenship recognizes individuals who, through exceptional long-term service, have made outstanding contributions to their communities without expectation of remuneration or reward. The medal reflects their generosity, service, acts of selflessness and contributions to community life. Nominations for the Medal of Good Citizenship are accepted year-round.
