To those that know her, Faye Craig is much more than a sales representative at the Wellington Advertiser.
She is also a dedicated volunteer, loyal friend and tireless advocate for various community groups in and around her home town of Arthur.
And on May 13, in recognition of those selfless pursuits, the Ontario Community Newspaper Association (OCNA) named Craig this year’s recipient of The Molson Coors Community Award in memory of Mary Knowles.
“Faye has shown true dedication and commitment to her community through her involvement in local organizations such as the Arthur and Area Horticultural, Agricultural and Historical Societies, Victim Services Wellington, the Heart and Stroke Foundation and a number of others,” said Carla Alexander, member services coordinator for the OCNA.
Named after Mary Knowles, a dedicated Newspaper person and active community member who died from breast cancer in 1996, the award recognizes those Newspaper employees who contribute their own time to their communities.
“I decided to nominate Faye because over the time I have known her, she works tirelessly for us and still finds time for volunteering in her community,” said Dave Adsett, editor and general manager of the Advertiser.
“I am proud of her accomplishments and was happy to see her hard work recognized by her peers.”
Craig, who has worked at the Advertiser for the past eight years but has volunteered in and around Arthur for decades, was surprised to win the award.
“I was humbled and I am grateful to have earned the privilege of being recognized with an award in memory of such a highly respected lady,” Craig said of Knowles.
OCNA officials stated Craig was being recognized in particular for her dedication to “promoting and preserving the cultural and architectural heritage of Arthur.”
For the past 35 years, she has been an active member of the Arthur and Area Horticultural Society as a youth leader and director. She has also been a director for the Arthur Agricultural Society for 26 years, serving as a coordinator for the local fair ambassador competition for most of that time.
Also a member and secretary for the Arthur Historical Society for the past four years, Craig views volunteering as an extremely rewarding endeavour.
“I find volunteering my time and energy is a vehicle to stay connected with many wonderful people in my life,” she said. “I enjoy seeing a wink and a smile when I’ve made a difference in another person’s life because of one small gesture.”
It’s that type of interaction that prompted Craig to first volunteer four years ago with Victim Services Wellington, an organization that works with the Wellington County OPP to assist survivors and victims of crime or accidents.
“Challenges, educational opportunities, and rewarding experiences are a few of the reasons why I am involved with Victim Services,” Craig said.
“Each and every call provides an awareness of the wide range of reasons why Victim Services plays a role with OPP Wellington. I choose to balance my life to be a part of the Victim Services team.”
Victim Services program coordinator Carol Daly said Craig’s compassion, kindness and strength have helped numerous people deal with circumstances of trauma and tragedy.
“Faye is such a warm and caring person. As soon as you meet her you just know she has a generous heart,” Daly said.
“She’s truly invaluable … we’re really, really lucky and thrilled she’s with our organization.”
Craig’s compassion for others continues in her role as an active member of the St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Arthur where, in addition to several other roles, she sits on the board of managers and is part of Helping Hands, which delivers meals and good cheer to those who need it.
She also keeps busy as captain of a canvassing team for the Heart and Stroke Foundation in February. And she is often called upon to use her experience with the aforementioned organizations to either chair, coordinate or judge competitions for the Wellington County Dairy Educator Program, Arthur and Area Homecoming, Queen of the Furrow, or public speaking contests at local schools and Legions.
In addition to her regular duties as an advertising sales person at the Wellington Advertiser, Craig also has a Newspaper route, which she has kept since she began working for the Newspaper.
Her love of horticulture and gardening has spurred her into maintaining the flower beds at the Newspaper’s office, and she often ensures the reception desk has fresh flowers on display as well.
Indeed, it seems no problem or issue is too inconsequential or too difficult for Craig. Those who know her will surely agree: she truly has earned the OCNA’s 2011 Molson Coors Community Award.
