To say she was shocked would be an understatement.
Barb Evoy was recently selected by the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce as Citizen of the Year.
Roberta Scarrow explained the award is given to recognize an outstanding person in the community who “goes above and beyond.”
Upon hearing the News, Evoy said she was “overwhelmed and moved beyond belief.” She added, “My community is everything to me, other than my family and my faith.”
She continued, “To be honoured in such a way and recognized for these efforts is the grandest gift a person could ever ask for.
“I’m as close to being without words as I’ve ever been.”
In his letter of endorsement, Doug Sherwood stated, “For many years now I have had the pleasure of working with Barb Evoy on various projects within our community.”
One of those was the 2011-12 Habitat for Humanity build of a duplex on Forfar Street in Fergus.
“We worked together on the steering committee and fundraising for this project from start to finish,” stated Sherwood. He added that in committee meetings Evoy was always the first person to say, “I’ll do that.”
Sherwood lauded Evoy’s tireless energy, infectious personality and positive attitude.
Angela Tamblyn commented that two years ago, both she and her business were new to Centre Wellington.
“Right from the start Barb offered me guidance and reassurance,” stated Tamblyn.
“I could see that Barb was heavily entrenched in her local community with a passion that is rarely seen.
“She offers her time selflessly to support Centre Wellington and its members on many levels.”
Sherri Sutherland, executive director of the Groves Community Hospital Foundation, said she first met Evoy during the kick-off for the hospital’s digital mammography campaign.
“Our next conversation was my asking her if she would help assemble a fabulous group of women for the second year of the campaign. Wow did she ever!” said Sutherland.
“Approximately 30 female business owners, professionals and philanthropists gathered to discuss how we all could increase education on the importance of having a mammogram and raise funds to bring the first digital mammography machine to Groves.”
In her letter of endorsement, Erica Finlayson stated “In countless ways, Barbara exceeds the challenging requirements and expectations needed for this award, based on her ambitious accomplishments, unique talents and stellar qualifications.”
Finlayson added that in the community Evoy goes out of her way to help people in need by organizing charity drives and volunteering countless hours within her community for a variety of different projects and worthy causes.
“Barbara loves people, works hard, and always tries to lift the spirits of those around her,” said Finlayson.
Centre Wellington’s Awards of Excellence Gala is on May 15.
The event recognizes individuals and businesses that have made a significant and lasting contribution to the people of the Township of Centre Wellington.
