Donna Kaufmann is presented with the 2021 Silverstar Rotary RCMP Volunteer of the Year Award by RCMP Supt. Shawna Baher. (Submitted photo/RCMP)

By Pete McIntyre

'Backbone of community'

RCMP volunteer honoured for ‘making a difference’

Apr 9, 2021 | 2:15 PM

A volunteer who has donated hundreds of hours to a variety of RCMP programs in the Vernon area has been honoured.

Donna Kaufmann has been presented with the 2021 Silver Star Rotary RCMP Volunteer of the Year Award. It’s presented to an individual who has gone above and beyond in giving back to the community, and to recognize them for their commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Ms. Kaufmann has been a City of Vernon RCMP volunteer since June of 2016.

“In the past four years she has logged 1,781 volunteer hours in the duties of Night Patrol, Speed Watch Operations, Distracted Driving Operations, Vessel Check Operations, helping with the RCMP Youth Academy, and supporting various community events such as Winter Carnival, United Way Drive-thru Breakfast, July 1st fireworks, Halloween Treat Trail, and the Christmas Light Up,” Const. Chris Terleski, media relations officer, said.

Superintendent Shawna Baher, the officer in charge of the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP, presented Kaufmann with the award.

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“Donna’s enthusiasm and passion for volunteering inspires others within our organization,” Baher stated. “She has made a lasting, positive impact on those around her and we want to express our sincere appreciation for her ongoing effort to make our community a safer, better place.”

Baher said Kaufmann’s energy and commitment to the city and the Vernon RCMP detachment is without equal.

“Donna is a role model to other volunteers and a great emissary of the program with the Vernon detachment members, the superintendent remarked.

Vernon mayor Victor Cumming said volunteers are the backbone of any community and their RCMP volunteers help make Vernon one of the best places to live, work and play.

“The time, energy and dedication provided by individuals like Donna doesn’t go unnoticed. We are truly grateful for Donna’s leadership and commitment to giving back to our community while also helping others thrive in a volunteer capacity,” Cumming commented.

A $500 donation was made by Silver Star Rotary President Teresa Durning Harker to Kaufmann’s charity of choice, The Boys and Girls Club of Vernon. Sarah Isaac was on hand to receive the donation on behalf of the Boys and Girls Teen Junction which will be used to support positive programming for youth.

“This donation reinforces the City of Vernon RCMP volunteers continued commitment to support the youth in our community,” Terleski added.