Edward Garland may have moved from the community almost a year ago, but that did not stop Maranatha School in Williams Lake wanting him to be recognized for his many years of volunteerism.
Trevor Ragan is the school’s Principal.
“Ed had a big heart and all he wanted to do was help, and he did it on a consistent basis. He probably helped over 150-200 hours at least every school year.”
Ragan says Garland had been volunteering at the school for more than 10 years since he had retired from Telus by making repairs, reading to students and more.
“He would do a lot of odd jobs; if there was a blind that needed replacing or if a light switch needed to be fixed, or a door was not closing properly. He voluntarily inspected our playground and kept it safe for us. Parents got to know him, students got to know him, and teachers got to know him.”
He says the school was part of the nomination process for the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers
which Garland, one of 33 British Columbians, was presented with by the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia on behalf of the Governor General of Canada on Wednesday in Government House.