Four local community linchpins were honoured for their years of service in a special ceremony in Vernon.

James Viel, Helen Sidney, Leigha Horsfield and Sonja Gaudet were presented with the King Charles III Coronation medals, at a ceremony at the Prestige Vernon Hotel on Wednesday, Sept. 18. 

Viel has dedicated over 50 years to the Vernon Search and Rescue (VSAR) organization and is the longest serving member. 

"He has been the cornerstone of countless rescue missions," said Vernon-Monashee MLA Harwinder Sandhu, who presented the medals. "He is always ready to help and has saved numerous lives and inspired countless others. Thank you for what you do."

Sidney, at a spry 101-years-old, received the award after her 41 years teaching at Armstrong Elementary School. She was named Good Citizen of the Year in 2023 and made waves in the community by donating $100,000 of her pension fund to the school. 

"Her remarkable contribution to education and he passion for the community makes her a true pillar of the community," said Sandhu. "We honour Helen for her life of service, generosity and education to making this world such a better place."

Horsfield is the executive director of Community Futures North Okanagan. Her "passion for community development is evident in her tireless efforts to support local businesses and nurses," said Sandhu.

Horsfield has been instrumental in developing of housing for medical residents, and the "ambitious" proposal to start a Community Health Clinic in the region.

"It is one of the first housing proposals to attract, and retrain more health care professionals," said Sandhu. "When Leigha says it, you can tell that it will happen as she has a commitment and dedication to the vision."

Gaudet is an advocate for inclusion and accessibility, and a multi-gold medal winning Paralympic wheelchair curler. A member of the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame, Gaudet has worked to enhance accessibility initiatives, both locally and nationally, to help break down barriers for people with disability. 

"She is a remarkable, inspiring individual," said Sandhu. "She makes us all proud for being the voice for many who necessarily don't have the voice and advocacy of a platform."

The medals are commemorative, created to mark the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, which took place on May 6, 2023. Canada issued 30,000 medals, bestowed to individuals who have made a significant contribution to a particular province, territory or region in the country, or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.