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An Okanagan woman has been awarded a provincial Medal of Good Citizenship.
Along with 20 other recipients, Spring Hawes is being recognized for her contributions to community life in the Okanagan.
Each year, the province accepts nominations for citizens who go above and beyond for their community. Recipients are recognized for their generosity, service and acts of selflessness.
Hawes is described as a “trailblazer for accessibility and inclusion” in the Okanagan.
Hawes previously served as the president of the Access in the Community for Equality Group from 2007 to 2-014, where she spearheaded efforts to enhance accessibility in the Columbia Valley.
She previously served as a councillor for the District of Invermere and was a board member for Accessible Okanagan, a non-profit run for and by people with disabilities.
Recently Hawes has served as a volunteer for Spinal Cord Injury BC in the Central Okanagan and is currently on the Interior Health Board.
Hawes also co-chairs the Provincial Accessibility committee, where she advises the government on implementing the Accessible British Columbia Act.
According to her public profiles, Hawes suffered a spinal injury in 2005 while mountain biking and has been an accessibility advocate since her injury.
“She has been, and continues to be, involved in numerous informal volunteer advocacy efforts to advance the equality of disabled people, both provincially and federally,” her bio says.
“She works to foster community in all of her endeavours. Hawes is a compassionate and tireless advocate whose enduring commitment to accessibility and inclusion has left its mark.”
Medal presentation ceremonies will be hosted throughout the province in early 2024.
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