We’re pretty proud of all the people that work here. This week, one employee stands out.
At the recent Ontario Community Newspaper Association (OCNA) convention held in Niagara Falls, Faye Craig, a member of our sales staff, was honoured with the distinction of winning the Mary Knowles award.
The Molson Coors Community Award in Memory of Mary Knowles was created by the Ontario Community Newspapers Foundation, the charitable division of OCNA, which provides funding for industry and educational endeavours.
Knowles was a dedicated Newspaper person, and active community member who died from breast cancer in 1996. The award recognizes the contributions of individuals and the intimate connection community Newspapers have with their communities.
Faye exemplifies “community connections,” having served in many ways over the years through agricultural organizations. Latterly, her penchant for community service includes working with Victim Services Wellington, helping with the Arthur Fall Fair, being active in her church, being a leader for her local horticultural group’s youth division, working with the Arthur Historical Society, and being a key part of the downtown beautification efforts taking place in Arthur.
Faye, like many other community focused people who volunteer, offers a great example for others. The fact is, many of us think we are too busy to help out when really it is a matter of priorities and choices made in our off time. If we are to have a community of consequence, it takes people willing to invest time and energy to make life a little better for others.
Perhaps the more difficult chore Faye has taken on in recent years is her work with Victim Services. The occurrences that require that volunteer organization to attend are not pleasant ones. Notifications of tragedy, loss of home, domestic violence and other tough situations are just a few examples. It takes a special person to keep victims positive and thinking about next steps. It is truly a task that few people can handle, but Faye is able to provide calm and support in cases that would reduce many of us to tears.
Congratulations Faye. We are proud of your accomplishment.
Luckily, the communities of this county, from Puslinch to Mount Forest, Erin to Clifford and Belwood to Inverhaugh and all points in between are filled with community minded folks too. Even with expanding government everywhere residents turn, there are plenty of people who find ways to help out with a service club, or hospital auxiliary to make a difference for others.
There is much to be said for doing rather than talking or writing about it. Long before social networking and other such electronic distractions became mainstream, community Newspapers like this one celebrated and encouraged citizens working towards a better community. We remain committed to helping where we can and celebrating successes brought about by individuals doing what they can to make our communities stronger.
