A longtime volunteer in Port Coquitlam was honoured this week for a lifetime of giving.
On Tuesday, Mayor Greg Moore presented Thelka Wright with the Lifetime Volunteer accolade for her nearly 50 years of community service.
The many groups that have benefitted from Wright's hard work include: Arts Connect, PoCo Heritage and Cultural Society, Stage 43 Theatrical Society, Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation, Friends of the Terry Fox Library, Share Family and Community Services and the Tri-City Asian Community Association.
Currently, Wright, the spouse of longtime former city councillor Michael Wright, is involved in the Coquitlam and District Music Arts Festival Society and was also a founding member of the Port Coquitlam Theatre Society. As well, Wright has taken part in organizing the May Day and PoCo centennial celebrations.
PoCo also handed out its other volunteer awards at a ceremony Tuesday.
Marg Owens, the treasurer of the PoCo Heritage and Cultural Society, was honoured for her achievements with the Arts, Heritage and Cultural Awareness award.
Jack Bos received the Caring and Safety prize. Bos has volunteered more than 650 hours in assisting seniors and at Wilson Centre and has served as the president of the Old Age Pensioners association.
Norm Fletcher was given the Environmental Protection and Enhancement award for his work with the PoCo and District Hunting and Fishing Club.
David Bird took the Sports and Recreation hardware for his 18 years with PoCo Minor Baseball.
The Youth Programs award went to businessman Paul MacDonald, who donates half of his profits from Ethical Waste Services to Access Youth Outreach Services.
And Mayor Moore gave the U21 award to Alanna Stockford, 18, who has volunteered 700 hours over the past year to help with the KidsFirst clinic and pool therapy programs for children with special needs.
The city accolades were presented at the Giggle Dam during National Volunteer Week.
@jwarrenTC
