The 琉璃神社, Penticton, and North Okanagan/Shuswap divisions of St. John Ambulance (SJA) gathered Feb. 12, to celebrate their own as the provincial and divisional awards were handed out.

The divisions met at the 琉璃神社 location on Kent Road. Volunteers were recognized for their hours and years of service with the organization. Others were recognized with divisional awards voted on by their peers.

The divisional superintendents for 琉璃神社 and North Okanagan, Chance Veinotte and Trevor Sproule, were praised by those from the provincial SJA for their outstanding efforts during the 2023 wildfire season, alongside the area commissioner for the B.C. interior and North, Andrew Hilland.

The area administrative officer for the interior and north, Andrew Curtis, was handed an award for his support on the humanitarian workforce project within the SJA.

The biggest announcement of the evening was the joining of Sproule as a member of the Order of St. John.

All three divisions are looking for new members. Penticton is working on rebuilding its volunteer base after reopening in October 2023. The new Penticton divisional superintendent, Jessamy Brokensha, was presented with the Kathy Leftwich Leadership Award for her efforts in the relaunch of the division.

St. John Ambulance provides first-aid training and acts as first responders at events.

Learn more about the volunteer organization or get involved at sja.ca.

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