Daphne Rappard Armstrong is this year’s Mount Forest District Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year.
“As everybody who knows me knows I do not like being in the limelight and when 10 days ago a letter was delivered to my office saying that I was nominated for the Citizen of the Year I was absolutely mortified and embarrassed and panicked,” she said.
“I don’t normally get phased by stuff but this totally took the wind out of my sails because I like to work behind the scenes and just do my thing.”
The community has noticed what she’s been doing and on May 4, at the Excellence Awards Gala held at the Mount Forest and District Sports Complex, she was recognized for all of her volunteer work.
“This will reward and recognize individuals making a notable contribution during the current year and who have given outstanding service for a number of years,” said master of ceremonies Apryl Browning of the award.
She said the people who nominated Rappard Armstrong noted the organizations she is involved with as well as some of her personal traits.
Rappard Armstrong is the chairperson for the Mount Forest Christmas Bureau, she is part of the United for Refugee committee that sponsored a refugee family in Mount Forest, she has participated in many walks including the Walk for Dog Guides, she helps to organize the Little Black Dress Affair that supports cancer patient services at the hospital, she volunteers with the horticultural society, Habitat for Humanity and community dinners at the United Church.
“On a more personal note Daphne is described as always quick to help a neighbour with food, leaf racking or shoveling snow. She’s an inspiration to our community,” Browning said. “She always has time for a big smile and a few minutes of interesting conversation with those she encounters.
“The community is very blessed that she chooses to share with us.”
Rappard Armstrong said the volunteering she’s most proud of is her bond with her little sister through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. They were matched when her little sister was seven years old.
“She’s now 32, she’s a full-time funeral director, she’s a mom to a three year old and I feel like I was a big part in determining how she has turned out as a human being,” Rappard Armstrong said.
“I encourage you to be part of other people’s lives and to take on no matter how little or how big the task … because little things make such a big difference
“It’s lovely to be recognized.”
Armstrong Rappard said she has no intension of lessening her volunteer load.
“I am strong, I am healthy, I am able,” she said. “And so thank you and until I learn to say ‘no’ I will continue to volunteer in any way I can.”
