After a long week, Gena Barzan was itching to leave her place of work, the Animal Auxiliary Thrift Store and head home for the night.
Gena Barzan was surprised today with the 2023 Good Citizen of the Year award in !
害羞草研究所� Vernon Morning Star (@VernonNews)
However, her co-workers coaxed her into staying a little bit longer and that was because, to her surprise, the Vernon Good Citizen of the Year for 2023 award would be be going to her.
害羞草研究所淲ow! Thank you. I can害羞草研究所檛 believe it,害羞草研究所� said a stunned Barzan as a crew of people popped in to the store to give her the news. 害羞草研究所淭his is just amazing. I never expected anything like this. This is definitely a group and community effort but I really appreciate it.害羞草研究所�
The Auxiliary Thrift Store was opened by Barzan in 2019 as a non-profit thrift store, with funds going towards disaster recovery and various animal rescue groups. The store also runs a senior hamper program, which delivers food to seniors on the last Thursday of every month.
She was given the award by JCI Vernon, along with a cheque for $500 from Kidston Helm Ross LLP, to be donated to her charity or group of choice, which was an easy decision.
害羞草研究所淔orever Home Sanctuary,害羞草研究所� she said. 害羞草研究所淭hey need some barns for their animals.害羞草研究所�
According to Dayna Watters, past president of JCI Vernon, Barzan was nominated by Robin Steg
害羞草研究所淪teg knew about everything you do and thinks very very highly of you,害羞草研究所� Watters explained. 害羞草研究所淪he couldn害羞草研究所檛 be here today to help surprise you but they were so heart warmed that you were here and we were able to give the award to you.害羞草研究所�
Barzan has been working in disaster and animal rescue since 2005.
害羞草研究所淚t is so rewarding to see people smile, save their animal or feed somebody is beyond words,害羞草研究所� she said. 害羞草研究所淵ou can see it in their eyes. Knowing they can come to us is really rewarding.害羞草研究所�
Gena害羞草研究所檚 husband, Dale Christie, who is the managing director at the store, said that this was the perfect pick-me-up for his wife.
害羞草研究所淪he needed something like this,害羞草研究所� Christie told The Morning Star. 害羞草研究所淲e had a hole in our roof and there was a leak which was really rough on us.害羞草研究所�
The leak, in early December closed the store for a couple of weeks, but due to the help of tireless volunteers and Barzan, the store has been up and running again in the new year.
Barzan will also be recognized at the Feb. 3 Vernon Winter Carnival parade.
Donations are always appreciated at the thrift store, and you can drop off items, or funds at 3100A 29th Ave or email: outbackjets@telus.net.
READ MORE:
READ MORE:
