Area resident, Wendy Sabyan, says she volunteered “with some outstanding individuals during the wildfire season of 2017”. In fact she was so impressed with the dedication and commitment that some people displayed that she nominated six of them for a Premier of B.C.’s Above and Beyond Award, which they all recently received.
Sabyan wrote on the nomination for Laurie Buis, “For her selflessness and bravery during the 2017 wildfire season”.
Sabyans nomination also stated, “Laurie, not only has one of the biggest smiles…but even a bigger heart. On July 07, 2017. The North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo grounds opened the facility to the wildfire evacuees and their animals. As the days went by, the fires popped up in neighbouring communities, and trailers transporting evacuated animals rolled into the facility. At one point, there was approx 378 evacuated animal on the grounds.
“Laurie would come to The North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo grounds everyday to help anywhere she could. Laurie was our receptionist. She kept track of all the animals coming into the grounds and the ones that were able to return home, and she also contact and updated the owners on the animals that were at the facility. Laurie was new to the agriculture world and had never worked around farm animals, but she was willing to learn and jump in and help wherever she could.
“Everyday these animals needed their stalls scrapped, scooped and cleaned. Then supplied with fresh bedding, water and feed. After caring for all the animals, it was time to haul hay, wash buckets and clean vacant pens to have them ready and available for new evacuees.
“Laurie worked hard each and everyday over the summer, not only caring for all of these animals but giving her big heart to each of them.”
Sabyan also nominated Angeline Farrow and her four children, Connor, Curtis, Bobby-Raye and Grace for The Above and Beyond Award for their selflessness and bravery during the 2017 wildfire season.
“Angeline and her children not only have the biggest smiles… but even bigger hearts,” wrote Sabyan in her nomination.
“Angeline, Connor, Curtis, Bobby-Raye and Grace would wake up early everyday to drive 20 minutes from their home into Barriere to the North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Grounds to care for all the animals. Everyday these animals needed their stalls scrapped, scooped and cleaned. Then supplied with fresh bedding, water and feed. After caring for all the animals, it was time to haul hay, wash buckets and clean vacant pens to have them ready and available for new evacuees.
“The Farrow family worked hard each and everyday of their summer break not only caring for all of these animals but giving their big hearts to each of them. I have been truly blessed to have volunteered with the Farrow family through the summer 2017. Angeline, Connor, Curtis, Bobby-Raye and Grace Farrow is The Above and Beyond,” wrote Sabyan.
