Attendees to the awards banquet, hosted by a charitable organization that runs an addiction recovery program located at 59 Mile, were witness to some powerful and life-changing testimony from recent graduates, says Psalm 23 Transition Society executive director Marvin Declare.
The 2013 Courageous Starfish Alumni Award and Community Appreciation Awards dinner on Nov. 30 was “a wonderful evening of celebrating life changes and saying thank you to our community. Charities like ours depend on community support and we believe in the value of sharing the recognition they deserve.”
The event was held at The Valley Room in 100 Mile House. The meal was served by Fifty9 Mile Catering Team, which consists of students and staff of Psalm 23.
Josh Wardle, of Abbotsford, was the recipient of the Courageous Starfish Award, which goes to a Psalm 23 alumnus who has made a positive change and given back to others.
Community appreciation awards were also presented.
Larry Hillstad, Mike Boyd and Dave and Vicki Skoda were honoured for their part in volunteering in the programs and support provided for the students. Businesses honoured for supporting the Phase 1 Building currently under construction to house four shops were Omega-1 Contracting and United Concrete. Community donor/supporter awards went to Sunrise Ford Ltd. and the 100 Mile House Free Press.
The event raised $4,171 for Psalm 23.
“We hope tonight the community saw that we are not looking for a handout, but a hand up,” Declare says.
“Our greatest need at this time is to ask people to pray for the students as they battle the difficult journey of change and Psalm 23's financial shortfall to meet budget obligations. I am so grateful to God for all the lives being changed. Thanks for the consideration towards helping us make a difference – one person at a time.”