The three newest members of the Order of Abbotsford have now all been recognized with the city's highest honour.
Wendy Neufeld and Graham Taylor were honoured at a special ceremony on Canada Day.
Joanne Field wasn't able to be present at the event, but received her commendation at Monday's council meeting.
Neufeld, Coun. Sandy Blue said, "has demonstrated outstanding community leadership in many venues."
Wendy Neufeld, a W.J. Mouat graduate who went on to become one of only a handful of female farm insurance specialists, was cited for her involvement in the creation of children’s playgrounds and free libraries.
A member of the Rotary Club of Abbotsford-Sumas, serving as secretary, treasurer, president, and assistant district governor for District 5050, Neufeld played a key role in creating a partnership between the city and the Rotary Club, which resulted in construction of 16 Rotary playgrounds as well as the establishment of Little Free Libraries in four city parks that have distributed over 35,000 free children’s books.
She is chair of the Abbotsford Community Foundation, which last year provided over $600,000 for student awards to graduating high school students in Abbotsford and grants to local charities and non-profits.
Beginning in the 1990s, Graham Taylor has worked with the many multi-sport games hosted in Abbotsford, often with a focus on the transportation of athletes.
"We would all do well to emulate his approach to his community, friends, family and colleagues," Coun. Les Barkman said.
Field served as school board chair for four years, was a member of the Mayor’s Crime Reduction Task Force, Abbotsford Youth Commission board of directors, School District No. 34’s Drug Prevention Committee, New Beginnings Advisory Committee, and the City of Abbotsford’s Traffic Safety Advisory Committee.
She is a founding member of the Abbotsford Restorative Justice and Advocacy Association (ARJAA) and the current executive director.
Field is also an advocate for Character Abbotsford, a society dedicated to challenging citizens and organizations to intentionally practice and promote character daily.
She is an active Rotarian and the 2007 recipient of the Abbotsford Community Leader Award.
Mayor Henry Braun said: "I want to thank you on behalf of the City of Abbotsford ... for your work in advocating for the youth of our city, for championing them, and also for your work on restorative justice.