Scouts volunteer to receive Sovereign Medal

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This article was published 06/05/2021 (1669 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Congratulations are in order for a long-time Scouts volunteer who is being recognized for more than 40 years of service.

Yvonne Kyle of Charleswood will receive the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers. Presented by the Governor General, this aims to recognize exceptional achievements of Canadians and to pay tribute to the dedication and commitment of volunteers.

On April 21, in conjunction with National Volunteer Week, the office of the secretary to the Governor General announced the 141 medal recipients from across the country, including Kyle.

“It feels great to know that someone respected my role as a Scouter enough to put in the effort needed to nominate me for the award. It’s pretty exciting,” said Kyle, who is currently the group commissioner for the 60th Winnipeg Scouts Group.

“I will receive it when COVID restrictions allow a celebration, likely late summer. It is most likely to be an outdoor event that will probably include a traditional Scout campfire.”
Looking back, Kyle said she began volunteering with Scouts Canada simply for something to do.  

“I had been in Girl Guides for many years, but there were no longer enough girls in my small town to keep the group going. The Cub Scouts needed help, so I stepped up,” she said.

“I keep going because I think I make a difference in the lives of young people. If I can help them grow to be responsible, caring citizens, as well as talented outdoorsmen and women, I will have done well.”

Kyle said the main reason for volunteering is that it’s fun.

“Most of my best friends are people I have met through Scouts. It is something I share with my husband and my adult children — and that is pretty cool. I enjoy being outdoors, and that’s where the best Scouting happens,” she said.

“I am just starting to do a bit of volunteer work at Oak Hammock and I am a volunteer canoe instructor with Paddle Manitoba. I’ve had other volunteer roles in the past as well.”

As a volunteer for many decades, Kyle offers words of encouragement to others who might consider volunteering their time and talent.

“Why not? It’s fun. It gets you out of the house,” she said. “It makes a difference in others’ lives. It gives a life purpose and meaning.”

The Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers is the highest honour for volunteer service within the Canadian Honours System. To be eligible, candidates need to have made significant, sustained and unpaid contributions to their community in Canada or abroad. Nominations are accepted on an ongoing basis through the Governor General of Canada website at www.gg.ca