Oldford honoured to be recognized for volunteerism

Bob Oldford did not expected to receive a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee medallion, but he is so grateful that his community thought of him.

Many would know Oldford for his tenure with the Royal Canadian Legion in Portage la Prairie. He was also recognized for the sixteen years he served on the United Way Central Plains board. When he first heard he was being honoured, he didn't believe it.

"It was quite an honour. It was kind of a shock, too, because I didn't even know my name was put forward. When I got the letter, I thought, first of all, I was being pranked," laughs Oldford. "When I called the office, and found out I was on (the list of recipients). I realized that this is something that not only I earned, but others around me who have supported me over the years, like my family. So, it was a great honour."

Oldford always does what he can for veterans in the community and he hopes this will inspire others to step forward to help their communities.

"As far as the community support thing, it was great to be able to have, not only some of your family attend, but the number of people that do things that are normally not recognized in the public," says Oldford. "Getting the recognition at this time was just really great for a lot of them. A lot of people do things behind the scenes."

We will continue to showcase volunteers in our communities who were Her Late Majesty's Platinum Jubilee recipients.