The Governor-General has recognized a staple of the volunteer community in the Kenora district.
Red Lake Council recently presented Tom Doherty with the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.
Doherty says it’s been a whirlwind 30-years of helping out in the communities of Red Lake, Vermilion Bay and Machin.
He started helping out as a Grade 9 student in 1984 where he was an assistant coach for the Vermilion Bay Minor Hockey Association.
Today, he’s the President of the Red Lake Indian Friendship Centre.
The award description states “He is a strong supporter of anything that involves youth and recreation sport, and advocates on behalf of the Metis people through his involvement with the Red Lake Friendship Centre.”
Doherty says “volunteerism for me has allowed me to create the connections and the relationships throughout the whole region.”
He notes he currently has more than 3,000 connections in his online networks.
Doherty stresses he cherishes those relationships.
He adds volunteering gives you the fulfillment of who you are as well as a sense of pride.
Doherty notes it’s crucial to be community-minded and give back to the community.
