 Gov. Gen. David Johnston, left, presents the Diamond Jubilee Medal to Kelowna Food Bank executive director Vonnie Lavers as Prime Minister Stephen Harper takes part at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Monday. |
"The ceremony was on Monday and I came back to Kelowna right away," said Lavers.
"I've hardly had any sleep and it's all just starting to sink in now."
Lavers is the only Okanagan resident and one of only 60 Canadians from across the country to be awarded medals in the first round of presentations.
The Diamond Jubilee Medal is an awards program marking Queen Elizabeth's diamond jubilee of 60 years on the throne.
The medals recognize Canadians from all walks of life who have made significant contributions to their community and Canada.
The first round of medals were handed out Monday because Feb. 6 was the day Princess Elizabeth became Queen in 1952.
Over the next year, and in keeping with the multiple of 60 theme, 60,000 Canadians will be awarded Diamond Jubilee Medals.
However, the first round of 60 is special because it marks the inauguration of the program and was held at Rideau Hall, the home of Gov. Gen. David Johnston.
Johnston and Prime Minister Stephen Harper presented the 60 medals.
Medals are awarded based on nominations from peers and colleagues.
"I don't know who nominated me," said Lavers.
"They were scant on those details, instead concentrating on the ceremony of it all."
However, Lavers expects it was someone who recognizes the Kelowna Community Food Bank's commitment to providing nutrition to people in need based on the Canada Food Guide and First Nations and Metis Food Guide.
"It's not just providing food, but nutrition for people in need, especially children," said Lavers.
Lavers has had the top job at the food bank for a decade.
"I'm so excited to see Vonnie recognized," said Kelowna Deputy Mayor Luke Stack.
"She is a tireless worker on behalf of this community. She is one of the heroes of this community."
To show just how diverse recipients of the medal are, the first round included recognition for Olympic gold medallist skier Alexandre Bilodeau and retired Brig.-Gen. Bob Robert.
The Diamond Jubilee Medal itself was made by the Royal Canadian Mint out of nickel and silver and features an image of the Queen on the front, and her emblem and 1952-2012, marking six decades of rule, on the back.
It comes on a ribbon of blue, red and white reflecting the colours of the 1953 Coronation Medal, the 1977 Silver Jubilee Medal and the 2002 Golden Jubilee Medal.
