Vernon volunteer Vicky Dedels, who has been involved in the community for years, has been recognized for her longstanding work with a local award.
Dedels was honoured for her mentorship with a plaque at the 2024 Community Leader Awards (CLA) on Wednesday, March 13, at the Vernon Lodge.
The Mentorship Award is given to an individual in the community who “makes a positive contribution by being a true leader and demonstrates a high level of ethics and professional standards. They are also an inspirational motivator, excellent communicator, good listener and a reliable resource to the community.”
Working at the Elks Club, Dedels also volunteers at the Santa’s Anonymous Society, Caroline’s Cart, ticket and food taking at Kal Tire Place along with helping raise funds for the Upper Room Mission.
Dedels, who was nominated by her co-worker, Charlee Smith, is an “inspiration and big community builder.”
“I’ve known Vicky for a few years now and I admire all of her work,” said Smith. “Her personality makes everyone around her feel important and inclusive, challenging everyone to get involved.”
Smith added that she has seen Dedels “put in an eight hour shift at work, then go straight to volunteer still in her work uniform and has inspired myself to become more involved.”
The 2024 Community Leader Awards is a revived program started by The Morning Star, to recognize leaders in and around the community that have been working behind the scenes.
There were a number of submissions for 12 specific categories, which range from mentorship, coaching, volunteering and leadership.
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