The City of Castlegar has acknowledged some local good Samaritans. Nominations for the Good Samaritan award were accepted over the last several months and a drawing to determine which nominee would receive the $250 prize was held at the last city council meeting.
Brenda Eaton was nominated for "going above and beyond to help a friend in times of need to donate furniture, helping with renovations, cleaning, bringing food or just lending an ear... She has such a jolly laugh, she lifts ones spirit with her very presence."
Nora and Paul Bunn were nominated for exemplifying the golden rule to care for a neighbour with an injury in such a way that she was able to stay and recuperate in her own home, which would have been impossible without their help.
Penny Callaghan was nominated for caring for a senior citizen with deteriorating health until he had to be moved into a care facility, and then continuing to help with with expenses and the upkeep of his home.
Geoffrey Mo and Naomi Li cared for a visitor who broke her ankle. They let her stay at their hotel while awaiting a respite bed in a local care facility for 12 days, making her meals, bringing her medications and visiting with her. They continued to visit her and bring her treats even after she moved to the care facility.
Gerry Remple's nomination read: "This man wears many hats in our fair community. Santa Claus, cadet program, critical incident debriefings, peer councillor and a host of other things... If this is not an example of a positive role model and an all around good Samaritan then no one can fit that description."
Joel Anderson, Janice Konkin and Kevin Gallinger were nominated for helping someone who was having a severe asthma attack outside of the Castlegar Health Centre get the help she needed.
Deb McIntosh was nominated for the countless hours she spends volunteering in the community.
The first name to be drawn from the hat was Deb McIntosh, who as a city councillor, felt she should decline the prize money. The second name was Gerry Rempel, who also thought he should decline due to his position as fire chief. On the third try, Brenda Eaton was drawn and will be rewarded with the $250.