Long-time volunteer David Owen is 2018 recipient of the Jim DeWolfe Community Spirit Award

David Owen is the 2018 recipient of the Jim DeWolfe Community Spirit Award. He will receive the award on April 26 at the Coverdale Centre during the Town of Riverview’s annual Volunteer Recognition Night.

The 2018 Jim DeWolfe Community Spirit Award celebrates an individual’s valued contributions to creating and strengthening our vibrant community. A citizen-led committee made the decision following an open call for nominations in March.

David's nomination by Julie Hopkins, on behalf of the Riverview Arts Centre, includes a long and diverse list of volunteer activities and leadership roles attributed to him over the last five decades.

Since moving to Riverview 51 years ago, David has been a dedicated and humble leader. Inspired by his young family, David took on volunteer roles with the Boys Scouts of Canada and numerous sports associations. For 20 years, he could often be found on the ice refereeing hockey and ringette games and at the ball field as a volunteer umpire for Riverview Minor Baseball. David later became the founding president of the Riverview Boys and Girls Club.

In addition to his work with youth, David was a respected member of the RCMP auxiliary and volunteered with Victim Services in Riverview and in Moncton for 10 years. His drive to help others in need didn’t end there. David became president of the Albert County Action Committee and subsequently operated the Albert County Food Bank and annual Christmas aid program.

For the last 17 years David’s been active as the volunteer Executive Director of the Lion’s Sick Children’s Fund through which he established the Greater Moncton Dragon Boat Festival raising much-needed funds that help families with sick children.

Furthering his other passions, David and his wife Sheila’s love for theatre brought them both to volunteer for the Riverview Arts Centre. He currently serves as president and advanced the organization to a position where it can now employee full-time staff.

For his commitment to youth, compassion for those in difficult circumstances, and exceptional generosity, David Owen embodies the meaning of community spirit.

Members of the public are invited to attend Volunteer Recognition Night next Thursday, April 26 at the Coverdale Centre. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the banquet will start with a served meal at 7 p.m. followed by the awards presentation. The cost to attend is $10. RSVP by Monday, April 23. Please call Brian Frontain at 387-2037 to reserve a seat.