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Tisdale's top volunteers, musicians, athletes recognized for efforts

A long-time member of the Knights of Columbus, Tisdale Legion and Wildlife Federation has been given a lifetime award for his volunteerism. Doug Wisser was presented with the award at the Town of Tisdale Appreciation Night Nov. 15.

A long-time member of the Knights of Columbus, Tisdale Legion and Wildlife Federation has been given a lifetime award for his volunteerism.

Doug Wisser was presented with the award at the Town of Tisdale Appreciation Night Nov. 15. He said he found out he was receiving the award after a friend saw it in the local paper.

“It’s quite an honour. I’ve been here all my life and it’s a great place to live,” he said. “I was sort of shocked.”

Recognized as volunteer of the year was Jessica Steadman, who’s greatly involved with the Kinettes and Girl Guides.

“I was very honoured. It was quite a surprise. It kind of caught me off guard a little bit,” she said. “I just volunteer just because I see the need. I don’t do it to be recognized, so to be recognized was very flattering and an honour.”

 

Doug Wisser

According to his nomination, submitted by Albert Orban, Wisser was raised in Tisdale and raised his four children with his wife Lorraine.

He’s been a member of the Knights of Columbus for 40 years. He served as president, took part in activities like meals on wheels, bingos, pancake breakfasts and muffin Sundays. He was also involved with the St. John Bosco Wilderness Camp on Zeden Lake.

When the Royal Canadian Legion’s rules changed 19 years ago to allow associate members to join, Wisser immediately became a member, serving as secretary and treasurer. He’s also been part of the Tisdale Wildlife Federation for 35 years.

Wisser is also active on the sports scene, helping to organize curling tankards and getting involved in minor hockey and ringette when his kids were playing. He said a lot of kids he coached in ball and hockey they still know who he is.

“That’s rewarding,” he said.

 

Jessica Steadman

According to her nomination, submitted by Raelene Franklin, Steadman moved to Tisdale with her husband and two kids 12 years ago.

For more than a decade, she has been a member of the Kinettes, serving positions like president, past president, secretary, membership director and club risk director. She has been a key part of organizing Beat the Deck, bingo, steak and lobster night, and the blood donor clinic.

Steadman was also heavily involved in reviving the Tisdale Girl Guides, committing many hours dedicated to improving her leadership skills within the organization, providing an environment for the girls to expand their knowledge and have fun, and being a positive role model for many young girls.

She can also been found volunteering time for events at Tisdale Elementary, in Sylvania and at the Golburn Fair.

“I think some people enjoy gardening or reading or watching TV,” she said. “I’ve come to terms with the fact I think volunteering is my hobby. I enjoy being part of my community and meeting other people that are like-minded too and are out there volunteering as well.”

 

Encouraging future volunteers

Both the award winners encouraged more people to volunteer and get involved.

“Looking at all of the young achievers in the crowd here, it’s your turn coming up, so just keep up what you’re doing so well and work hard,” Wisser told the crowd of sport and music achievers at the event.

Wisser said people should volunteer because it helps the community and is fun.

“If everybody does their little part of helping out to make things better, it’s worthwhile and they’ll be rewarded.”

Steadman said those thinking about volunteering should just do it.

“Tisdale is a fantastic community and I think it is so great because of the people that choose to volunteer and make our community a better place to live for our families, for our friends,” she said. “If anybody is thinking they should volunteer, I’m encouraging them to do so because it not only makes you feel good as a person, it’s a benefit to our community.”