Joyce Bueckert is one of 21 people throughout B.C. who were awarded the provincial Medal of Good Citizenship for 2023.
The medal is awarded for extraordinary contributions to the community and recognizes their generosity, service and acts of selflessness in their local areas.
“Oh my goodness,” said Bueckert, when the Free Press reached out to her. “I just couldn’t believe it, I didn’t know what to say and I said that to the lady when she phoned.”
With so many people deserving of the award, Bueckert was shocked to be named as one of the recipients. “It’s a big thrill, that’s for sure.”
Bueckert was named the 2022 South Cariboo Citizen of the Year and was visibly moved as she accepted the award from South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce president Donna Barnett at the Party in the Park concert on July 1, 2023.
“It was awesome. I was so surprised and it’s so humbling. It’s such an honour just to be nominated but then to actually be chosen (as Citizen of the Year), it was really something,” Bueckert said.
Currently, she is a member of the 100 Mile District General Hospital Auxiliary and the Seniors Centre. Bueckert also visits Carefree Manor where she helps a woman and on Friday nights they play Rumoli. She is also a member of several different clubs. “I don’t do a lot with each one, but it keeps me busy,” she said.
“We have so much fun with everything we do. And it’s fun to volunteer and it feels good to help people, you know what I mean?” Bueckert said. “It feels good that you’re helping someone even though you don’t think of it at the time. Like I never think about what I’m doing, you know if I’m doing something. You just do it and then all of a sudden you get recognized for it and you think - whoa,” she said with a laugh.
Bueckert thanked everyone for what they do in the community and added a special thank you to the person who nominated her for the medal.
The award ceremony will take place in early 2024.