Chris Clegg
South Peace News

A man who has given so much to the community and a charity group were recognized by the Town of McLennan at its Volunteer Appreciation barbecue Sept. 22 at the Elks Hall.

Brian Whalen was named Volunteer-of the-Year while the Smoky River Ryders were recognized as a group for outstanding contributions to the community.

Mayor Jason Doris announced the winners. He said Whalen has served on the McLennan Recreation Board for many years.

“This year he single-handedly organized the Oktoberfest event as the rest of the committee was busy,” read his nomination form.

Whalen continues to volunteer although he has moved away from McLennan.

“He serves as vice-president of the rec board, but also does most of the presidential duties,” read Doris.

“He is there to volunteer when needed and puts on a lot miles driving to and from Peace River to help the community.”

Whalen was unable to attend the celebration.

The Smoky River Ryders are an active motorcycle club in the region and have helped numerous organizations and people, Doris noted.

“This group is always looking at ways to help the community, to volunteer with other organizations and to give back to the community,” the nomination form read.

Barely two years old, the Ryders have left their mark. Two years in a row they have invited an international club of bikers to McLennan. They have volunteered for the museum, the Kimiwan Naturalist Society, and Home Hardware where they flipped hamburgers at their events.

They also donated to wildfire victims last year, donated money to individuals, sponsored the Smoky River Regional Golf Course, donated money to local hockey mothers , and to Ecole Providence School. The also helped Cargill collect thousands of dollars worth of cereal to go to local schools, and supported Ryan Rondeau with his boccia ball trips across the world.

The Ryders also host a highly successful Show and Shine each year and they drive around town each Halloween giving candy to trick-of-treaters. They give gifts each Christmas to children, seniors and families in addition to holding a community Christmas event and delivering hot meals to residents in Manor East and Manor West.

The 10 members who comprise the Smoky River Ryders are Welin Belhomme, Chantal Chavis, Jerry Cloutier, David Fedick, Dakota Fenner, Gail Gervais, Ren Lambert, Sharlene Lambert, Tyson Roberts and president Tammy Stout.