With the on-going COVID-19 restrictions, the Winkler Community Foundation (WCF) has decided to press pause on granting their annual Citizen of the Year award for 2020.

The recipient is usually honoured for their contributions to the community through a banquet celebration.

WCF Executive Director Myra Peters explains the award remains an important way to give people a chance to understand the full impact an individual can have, but feels a restricted celebration can't convey the same opportunity to say thank-you.

"We do not feel we can honour an individual in that manner at this time," Peters says. "We weighed several different options and alternative celebrations, but we feel none of them can honour an individual in that manner at this time."

"We wish to thank the nominators that put the time into nominating some worthy and excellent individuals that are deserving of this award," she says, adding the nominations will be carried forward to the coming year. A recipient will be announced when the foundation will be able to mark their contributions in a more significant way, she says.

The remaining nominations will be kept on file for future consideration, Peters explains, noting additional contributions or letters of support can be submitted in spring.

"We are so thankful for the community we live in and the energy and commitment that goes into making our community great," she says. "Winkler is full of inspiring people, people who motivate and take action; who get involved and who make our city one of the best places to live."

Learn more here: https://winklercommunityfoundation.com/