JCI Vernon Announces Junior Good Citizen of the Year  ~ Brianna Eedy

Vernon, British Columbia, May 25, 2007, JCI Vernon is pleased to announce the 2006 Junior Good Citizen of the Year (11-19years) ~ Brianna Eedy. "Brianna has taken initiative in many areas because she really cares and knows she can make a difference" ~ Mr. Tom Wilkinson, Principal. 

This Grade 7 student is very aware of global issues and being such a passionate individual she has shared her concerns with her classmates and brought it to the attention of the student body and the greater community. During the past two years she has organized a "Vow of Silence" in support of children throughout the world who have no voice.  In addition, she also organized a "Fair Trade" fundraiser bringing recognition to forced child labour throughout the world.  Locally, she and a group of Grade 6 students presented an "I Movie" to City Council about Cigarette Butts which resulted in the Council adopting a new By-Law.

Academically, Brianna is an outstanding student who works hard to achieve very good grades.  Athletically, she is a member of the Vernon AAA Track Club and has competed across BC, Alberta and the northwest USA in sprints.  She is a dedicated and focused rising track star.

During the 2006/07 school year, Brianna has organized a "Brick by Brick" campaign, raising funds to support disadvantaged children in Africa.  The revenue from this campaign will be used to build schools and to buy school supplies.  In addition Brianna also organized the "Vow of Silence" in support of the disadvantaged children across the planet.  Presently, Brianna is helping instruct sprinting during her school's Track and Field unit.  Brianna has also been a member of the "Zirka Dancer's" of the Okanagan for the past four years.

Brianna has taken initiative in many areas because she really cares and she knows that she can make a difference.

Good citizen overwhelmed with honour

Cass Ruby mistakenly congratulated acting Vernon Jubilee Hospital Auxiliary president Margaret Cousins for some kind of honour, upon seeing Cousins holding a bouquet of roses at the hospital.

But the rose bouquet Cousins was holding was actually for Ruby, who was named the 2007 JCI Vernon Good Citizen of the Year Tuesday, although she nearly spoiled the surprise by showing up early and heading to the cafeteria, where well-wishers, including Cousins, had gathered to make the Good Citizen presentation.

"Everybody lied to me," laughed Ruby, when asked about the honour.

Lured to the hospital under the guise of attending a meeting to help the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation with fundraising ideas, Ruby, a long-time auxiliary volunteer, was stunned to see more well-wishers gathered in a VJH foyer to honour her.

She received several flower and balloon bouquets, and will be honoured with a spot in Saturday's annual Vernon Winter Carnival parade.

"I'm shocked," said Ruby, 83, tears streaming down her face, lower lip trembling, when JCI Good Citizen committee chair Alisa Briggeman announced her as this year's winner. "I'm normally a talker. I'm speechless."

Known for her big smile, encouraging words and outgoing personality, Ruby has brought innovative ideas to change the profile of volunteerism, and has rejuvenated enthusiasm for the hospital internally, as well as in the broader community.

She was the driving force behind celebrating VJH's 100th year, and also came up with the idea of the "Adopt a Room" program that became a marketing focus for the foundation's Paint A Brighter Picture campaign. VJH was adopted out and redecorated to commemorate its 100th year in Vernon in 1997.

A resident of the North Okanagan for 40 years, Ruby and her late husband, Martin, ranched for many years on Salmon River Road. She established the Neighbourhood Watch program in the Salmon River Valley in 1998, where she got residents and the authorities involved. She did fundraising for the project, organized meetings, put together a community newsletter and orchestrated Salmon River Valley community get-togethers.

Ruby has also been involved with such programs at the Cattlemen's Association and the Canadian Red Cross.

She has been a member of the VJH Auxiliary since 1991, and served as its president in 1995-96.

"Cass is wonderful," said Cousins. "She's so kind, so loving, so caring. She helps anybody in need. All-in-all, she's a great person and I'm happy to call her my friend. That lady can pull any group together. She's a ray of sunshine."

Ruby is the fourth auxiliary member to be named Good Citizen of the year, joining Leona Law, Pat Collins and Betty Ladyman.

Among the well-wishers, and among the people Ruby jokingly threatened to kill after surprising her with the award, was Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert.

"This lady does so much for this community and this hospital," said Lippert, in one of several hugs he gave the Good Citizen. "She has worked very, very hard, she's always willing to give of herself.

"She does what a lot of great volunteers do, and that's give someone else the credit when she deserves it. She's one of the true icons of the community."

In announcing the award, former JCI Vernon branch president Nikki Mulder said nothing slows down Ruby.

"Cass continues her spirit of generosity to this day with countless hours spent volunteering," said Mulder. "She is always looking for ways to make the community a better place."

Ruby called being named Good Citizen of the Year "the nicest thing that has ever happened to me."

"That's why I love this city," she smiled.

"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

10th Annual Paddle Against Cancer - August 16, 2008

Visit the official website:
www.paddleagainstcancer.com

Up to 20 teams with 12 members per team compete in outrigger canoe paddling sprint races in a double knockout competition. Teams take advantage of training sessions offered by the Vernon Racing Canoe Club on how to paddle and maneuver the outrigger canoes. Team members raise pledges that are split between the Canadian Cancer Society and the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation for Cancer Care. 250 to 300 people take part in the day?s festivities held at Paddlewheel Park which includes the following activities:

• Pancake breakfast
• Boat races from 8:30am to 4:30pm
• Food and beverage concession
• Beer gardens
• Dinner and awards presentation

THE HISTORY (1999 to 2007)

$245,000 raised over the past 9 years to benefit cancer research and individuals affected by cancer. A number of teams have been with the event since the beginning and are enthusiastic participants and pledge getters. If you are interested in being a sponsor or putting in a team for this year’s event, please contact:

Co-Chairs:
Kathleen Dubois  
250-503-5420
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Kalynda Hampshire
250-545-6700
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