By Pete McIntyre

Citizen of the Year honoured

Jun 27, 2019 | 11:46 AM

A valued volunteer has been named Armstrong Spallumcheen Citizen of the Year.

Ken Brandel was presented with the 2019 award for his many years with the Royal Canadian Legion in Armstrong, and for helping other community groups.

“A tireless volunteer for the Royal Canadian Legion Armstrong, Ken is a valued member of the branch,” one nomination said. “He is always the first to volunteer for community activities.”

Brandel provides his time for Legion events like Wheels to Meals, hosting an annual yard sale, Saturday Meat Draws and the Gardom Lake Legion Camp.

He also helps with community events like the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce grad rehearsal barbecue, Children’s Bike Rodeo and Canada Day.

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The Legion under Brandel leadership since 2015, has taken over the organization of the annual candlelight ceremony in December, honouring the 39 servicemen from Armstrong and Spallumcheen who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

“Ken also supported the Legion’s acquisition of the IPE parking, setting up and running this fundraiser, formerly done by the Armstrong Rotary Club,” a news release from the chamber of commerce said.

Brandel, a retired military service member, was honoured by past Citizens of the Year and invited guests Tuesday at a tea hosted by the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce and Armstrong Activity Centre.

He will receive official recognition during the opening ceremony of Armstrong’s Canada Day celebration in Memorial Park on July 1.

by Pete McIntyre

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