As she accepted the Humanitarian of the Year award at the Olds College Alumni Centre Saturday night, Kathy Kemmere compared the volunteerism she does to spreading or reflecting light.
She said the Olds Rotary Club, which presented her with her award, does as good a job as anyone. The club also presented the Citizen of the Year award to Gary Gaudette and the Youth Citizen of the Year award to Shaelyn Moritz.
“I read something the other day that said you can spread light two ways: be a candle or be a mirror that reflects it. I truly think that Rotary does an amazing job being that candle. It's my turn to be the mirror this evening,” Kemmere said in an acceptance speech.
“I appreciate the work and the commitment they offered to our community as far as honouring citizens who do make a difference.”
Olds Rotary Club president-elect Terry Cody served as MC for the evening. He outlined the reasons the club named Kemmere as this year's Humanitarian of the Year.
“Kathy Kemmere's cheerfulness and compassion is reflected in her many years of ‘service above self' (the Rotary motto),” Cody said.
He noted she has volunteered for more than 20 years at St. Stephen's Church, teaching catechism and co-ordinating marriage preparation programs.
Kemmere was also a founding member of the Olds and District Hospice Society and is a member of the Olds Health Trust Committee.
“Kathy's work continues to have a big impact on families and individuals, and her compassion is endless,” Cody said.
Kemmere thanked Josephine Benedict for nominating her for the award.
“I know that took a lot of work; those forms are not simple. So thanks, Josephine for your commitment and for thinking of me as you think of the Humanitarian of the Year,” Kemmere said.
“I'd also like to thank my family who walks with me when I work with the Olds and District Hospice Society in palliative care and bereavement. I know they don't always understand what I do or why I do it, but I'm grateful for your support nonetheless,” Kemmere said.
“And lastly, no one ever gets to this place by themselves. The team at the Olds (and District) Hospice Society is just a great group of people and I appreciate the tenacity and the support, and working with these amazing people as we look to help others face end of life in a better way.”
Pull Quote
"You can spread light two ways: be a candle or be a mirror that reflects it. I truly think that Rotary does an amazing job being that candle."- Volunteer of the Year Kathy Kemmere
