This couple gave up their jobs to devote themselves more fully to serving the community and the needs of people. Then, in 1994, an idea was born to gather and use the surplus fruit and vegetables that our valley produces and preserve it through the drying process to feed hungry people at home and abroad. This couple has been invaluable in the formation and operation of the Okanagan Gleaners Society, providing 1.5 million meals and tons of dried fruit to the hungry in the Third World as well as the needy here in our own community. If that wasn t enough, you may also find them serving breakfast at the Pickers Camp during the harvest months. For helping to make Oliver and the world a better place, thank you to Bob and Pat Ellis, the 1999 recipients of the Oliver Good Citizens Award.
Great things can grow from a small seed.
The recipients for this year s Achievement Award are a small group who has accomplished a lot. Of course, they could not do it all on their own. They planted an idea in the minds of Oliver s citizens, nurtured it, and watched it grow. This small group formed back in 1997 with the intention of beautifying Oliver and making it a more welcoming place for both visitors and residents. We had many lovely spaces, but some were in desperate need of renovation and renewal in order to make them hospitable for all people to use.