A longtime Abbotsford volunteer was recently recognized with the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers by the office of the Governor General of Canada.
Dr. Don Strangway was among those receiving the honour, which recognizes exceptional volunteer achievements from across the country and abroad.
Strangway was nominated for the award by the Abbotsford Hospice Society (AHS) because of his “positive attitude, meticulous attention to detail, outstanding work ethic, considerable energy and dedication to every task,” according to executive director Ron Kuehl.
“Don has become a critical part of our youth and children’s grief and loss support program … Don is particularly adept at helping in complex grief and loss cases, and always applies his skills in a way that will develop a strength of relationship with the client,” Kuehl said.
Strangway is originally from Africa and spent more than 40 years as a general surgeon while supporting several non-profit organizations.
His volunteer work includes hospitals and hospices, church-based groups, interfaith organizations, ESL support for children, and refugee support and sponsorship of families from Syria and Africa.
In addition to the AHS, the organizations he has been involved with include Trinity Memorial United Church, Abbotsford Community Services, the Abbotsford Interfaith Movement and the Interfaith Refugee Project.
As an official honour created by the Crown, the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers is part of the Canadian Honours System.
Nominations for the medal are accepted throughout the year by the Chancellery of Honours and reviewed by an advisory committee, which makes recommendations to the governor general.
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