Sandra Duchak always steps up to offer her time and expertise to do what she can to better her community. She has been leading the Gainsborough 4-H Club for 42 years, has volunteered at the Herman Prior Activity Centre, and donates her time at the McKenzie United Church. For her hard work and dedication, she was recently recognized with a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee medallion in a ceremony held Sunday in Carman.

"It was awesome to see so many volunteers there," says Duchak. "You have to be nominated by someone. I don't know for sure who nominated me, but I appreciate it."

More than a dozen people from Portage la Prairie were recognized at the event, with honourees coming from all over the Portage-Lisgar constituency. MP Candice Bergen was in attendance and presented the medallion and a pin to each person. Duchak was so grateful to have her family in attendance and she loved seeing the smiles on the faces of the other recipients.

"It's very humbling, because there are many, many volunteers that give their time in Portage," says Duchak. "We have a very giving community."

Recipients of the award could be nominated in a variety of categories including 'Arts & Culture', 'Community Commitment', 'Entrepreneurship & Innovation', 'Health, Wellness, Activity & Sport', 'Heritage & Reconciliation in Action', and there was a 'Young Person of Distinction'. While nobody on this list does it for recognition, MP Bergen said it's important we share our gratitude with these great volunteers, and the people around them.

a photo of the medal

"In my remarks on Sunday, I thanked the families and the friends and the associations that supported these individuals. I also said to young people who were there, 'let this be an example to you, of what it looks like, and what it means, to give back to your community,'" says Bergen. "I think it's important, not only for the recipient, for their family, their friends, the community, and as an example to young people."

Duchak has been recognized before for her volunteerism. She was recently named 4-H Canada National Volunteer Leader of the Year for 2021, according to the 4-H Canada website. However, when asked why someone should give their time, it's clear she does not do this for the accolades. 

"When you volunteer your time, it's like Christmas every day. You see the smiles, and it's just so comforting to give to someone else."