The 100 Mile Community Hall was sparkling with decorations and brimming with people who were attending the South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce’s 22nd Annual Business Excellence and Citizen of the Year celebrations on April 16.
The enjoyable evening of celebration ended with Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett announcing the nominees and the winner of the Citizen of the Year 2015.
The top is chosen by a special committee made up of past winners who review all the nominations and determine who they believe to be the most deserving.
This year’s Citizen of the Year winner is Ingrid Meyer.
She is a business owner and a volunteer who is involved in many community events in the South Cariboo, including 108 Mile Lions Club; 100 Mile Soccer Association, 108 Mile Ranch Community Association; 100 Mile Community Garden; 100 Mile & District Historical Society; 100 Mile House Wranglers; and many more.
“Ingrid is always available when the phone rings with people asking if she can lend a helping hand, Barnett says, adding Ingrid does not understand the word no.”
“I was really surprised, says Meyer.
“Everyone who was nominated deserved the award. There are so many people in this town who do so much.”
Meyer says she would continue to do all the things she does even without the recognition because she loves this town.
“It is amazing to live here with a community of so many friendly, wonderful people.”
This area has always attracted Meyer and husband, Rainer, as they spent many holidays in British Columbia before immigrating. They moved from Germany to the 108 Mile Ranch 14 years ago, Meyer says.
“It’s amazing to live here, and I am very proud of our little town.”
Other nominees
Barnett, who is a past recipient of the award, says it’s an honour just to be nominated, and to be chosen by your peers is one of the greatest honours ever received.
Barnett also introduced the other nominees – Diane Bob, Bruce Madu and Ulli Vogler.
Diane Bob
“Diane Bob is a big part of 100 Mile House; her smiling face, hugs and friendly hellos are everywhere.
“When asked or not, she [Diane] is always at community events to do whatever she is asked to do. You make us all proud.”
Bruce Madu
“Bruce Madu was chairperson of the Community Garden for six years and volunteers at the Red Cross.
“He is on the executive of the 100 Mile & District Performing Arts; is the co-chair of the 100 Mile Festival of the Arts; sound
assistant for the Eclectica Community Choir; a Legion member; and on the executive of the 100 Mile Wranglers.
“Bruce is a Ten Thousand Villages volunteer; 100 Mile & District Arts Council member; and helps with fundraising for scholarships through ticket sales.”
Ulli Vogler
“Ulli Vogler has been an integral part of the South Cariboo for many years.
“She is president of the 100 Mile Historical Society; board member for the Cariboo Challenge Sled Dog Race, and involved with the Cariboo Challenge Family Fun Night.
“She has always been a true advocate for promoting tourism and encouraging community members to come out to events and join community groups.”