Brita Park is the recipient of the adult Spirit of Oliver award.
Lyonel Doherty photo
When Brita Park learned that she was chosen for a Spirit of Oliver award, she immediately thought of 50 people more deserving than her.
But the humbled volunteer graciously accepted the award during a special ceremony at Silver Sage Winery on April 13.
“It is the spirit of the community that has supported me,” Park said after accepting flowers from Mayor Ron Hovanes.
The mayor said Park was nominated by a number of people.
“If you have ever spent even a moment of time with Brita, you cannot go away without being affected by her positive spirit.”
Hovanes said she has touched and enhanced the lives of countless people in the community. Her contributions include: director of the South Okanagan Concert Society, founder of the community garden initiative, “Blue Christmas” organizer, World Neighbours involvement, and South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services volunteer.
The mayor said Park has been described as passionate, inspirational, enthusiastic, and tenacious.
Park said the spirit of giving is such a “dynamic part” of Oliver, which is “going on all around us.”
Park was joined by 18-year-old Gagan Ganger, who was the recipient of the youth award.
Ganger was a previous recipient of this honour when it was given to all three of Oliver’s youth ambassadors.
Hovanes said Ganger is one of the most committed volunteers at Oliver Parks and Recreation with the Sunshine Festival, Scareview, Canada Day and Christmas events.
The mayor noted that Ganger is a great mentor in the community.
“She is described as a fantastic leader, great role model, a solid student, well respected, personable and responsible.”
Ganger is soon leaving the community to study international relations at UBC in Vancouver – a nostalgic move based on what she has done in Oliver through the ambassador program.
Ganger first became involved in philanthropy in Grade 6 through Youth Cares. She sold bricks as part of the “Brick by Brick” campaign to build a school in Sierra Leone, Africa.
“It’s kind of like an addiction. I want to keep doing it.”
While other students were involved in sports and parties, Ganger focused her efforts on goodwill and ambassadorship.
“It set me apart from my peers. I didn’t miss the fun they were having because it was not where my mind was.”
The young woman’s time to play comes when she is volunteering and helping others. It rejuvenates her soul.
Don’t be surprised to see Ganger working for the United Nations some day – her long-term goal.
The Spirit of Oliver group award went to the South Okanagan Health Care Auxiliary (thrift store).
Hovanes introduced auxiliary president Bill Riley and joked that “Bill’s harem” is the place to be if you want to hang out with the ladies.
The mayor said much of the medical equipment and services that people use in Oliver today is due to the committed work of auxiliary volunteers. For example, the auxiliary donated $100,000 towards the new Vocera communication system at South Okanagan General Hospital.
In total, the auxiliary has given $580,577 for medical services and equipment during the past six years, the mayor pointed out.
Hovanes said this “tireless” group has contributed so much to the South Okanagan community.
“Their commitment to contribute in making Oliver a better place to work, play and live is what I personally consider the true spirit of Oliver.”
Hovanes said it is amazing what the auxiliary can do simply by selling 25-cent items in a thrift store.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
