This past Thursday (December 14, 2023) Town Council and staff honoured community volunteers at the Town's Volunteer Appreciation Reception held at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre.

This annual event is a highlight in Council’s calendar, and their opportunity to thank the many people who contribute to the community’s well-being through volunteerism, whether it be serving on Town Committees/Commissions, or broader community organizations.

This year, the winner of the Above and Beyond Volunteer Award was Adele Kristalovich, chosen by Council for her outstanding fundraising achievements and extensive community involvement in the Oceanside area.

Adele Kristalovich, known as ‘Del’, exemplifies the true meaning of going ‘above and beyond’ in our community. Del is a volunteer of a number of organizations, including Flowerstone Health Society, Manna Homeless Society, Oceanside Division of Family Practice, and North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre.  

Del's contributions to the Flowerstone Health Society have played a crucial role in the success of the Flowerstone Family Health Clinic. In her role as secretary/treasurer, she brought her advocacy for social justice, extensive community board experience, and exceptional fundraising skills. Her knowledge has been vital in promoting the Society and ensuring excellent care at the Flowerstone Clinic, which now serves approximately 4,000 patients.

At Manna Homeless Society, Del serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors, where her innovative approach introduced a new bank balance accountability process, ensuring financial transparency and integrity within the organization. Additionally, her role in organizing newsletters allowed her to intimately connect with Manna's activities and effectively communicate them to supporters.

A further organization that Del has supported for many years is the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre in Errington. She became an advocate for programs and projects that would help in the care of wildlife at the centre as well as obtaining grants. Del is now the past president of the North Island Wildlife Recovery Association but still an integral part of the Association.

The afternoon closed with a sincere thank you from Council, on behalf of the whole community saying, “Your generosity of time and spirit shines brightly, and we are profoundly grateful for the difference you make every day.”

The volunteer groups and Committee/Commission members honoured this year are listed on the 2023 Volunteer Appreciation Recipients Award displayed in the Town Hall foyer, along with the Above and Beyond Volunteer Award plaque.

Contact

Town of Qualicum Beach

250.752.6921

media@qualicumbeach.com