"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE"

GOOD CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 2007 - CASS RUBY

or

JCI Vernon Announces Good Citizen of the Year to Cass Ruby

Vernon, British Columbia, January 2008, JCI Vernon is pleased to announce the 2007 Good Citizen of the Year - Cass Ruby.  "Cass is always looking for ways to make the community a better place for everyone." states Deanne Thiessen, Salmon Valley neighbour.  We are surprising Cass in the lobby of Vernon Jubilee Hospital.

"Cass is a  dedicated citizen of Vernon who takes volunteerism seriously and is known for getting things done.  There are many other accolades I could mention ... that demonstrate the strength of this woman who was able to mobilize other volunteers to put their shoulder to the wheel and get results."

Bruce H. Swan - Beyond the Board Room Executive Coaching and Consulting

A member of the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Auxiliary, Cass has brought to VJH Auxiliary new innovative ideas to change the profile of volunteerism, rejuvenate enthusiasm for the hospital internally as well as in the broader community.  An example of Cass's vision and leadership was the year Vernon Jubilee Hospital celebrated its 100^th Anniversary.  Cass came up with the idea of "adopting a room" program that became a marketing focus of the Foundation's "Paint a Brighter Picture" campaign.  The entire hospital was adopted out and redecorated to commemorate its 100^th year in the community.

In 1998 Cass was the driving force in beginning Neighbourhood Watch in the Salmon Valley.  She immediately pushed the idea of a Neighbourhood Watch, getting other residents and the authorities involved.  She did fundraising, as well as organizing meetings, orchestrating Salmon Valley community get-togethers and putting together a local community newsletter.

Cass's community spirit not only involves the adults - but also involves many of the youth in the community.  Cass has hired many young people to do odd jobs around her ranch in the Salmon Valley.  Cass inspired many of these youth with her volunteerism.  She set an example by not just "talking the talk" but by actively pursuing excellence in whatever she sets out to accomplish.

Nothing slows down this remarkable lady.  Cass continues her spirit of generosity to this day with countless hours spent volunteering.  Cass is known for her big smile, her encouraging word and her friendly outgoing personality.  She is always looking for ways to make the community a better place for everyone. 

How does one describe Cass?  "An amazingly good citizen and friend who is not afraid to take time to reach out to another....with a heart of compassion."

 
Some of Cass Ruby's Highlights:

£     Lived in North Okanagan for 40 years

£     Member of Vernon Jubilee Hospital Auxiliary since 1991

£     President of Vernon Jubilee Hospital Auxiliary 1995/96

£     Okanagan Mainline representative of the BC Association of Health Care Auxiliaries in 2002/03

£     Served on the President's Committee during the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Auxiliary's Centennial Celebrations in October 2007

£     Served on the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation Board of Directors

£     Chair of the 1997 Centennial Celebrations at Vernon Jubilee Hospital

£     Established the Neighbourhood Watch Program in the Salmon River Valley in 1998

£     Volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross in Vernon

£     Was involved in the Cattlemen's Association

£     Member of Trinity United Church in Vernon