The Lloydminster Lions are bestowing the title of Citizens of the Year to Geeks on the Peak, Ean Bull and Louis Stang, along with Junior Citizen of the Year to grade 11 student, Gabby Munro.
The honours were delivered at one of the Lions’ regular meetings where the recipients were invited to speak on their various community efforts.
Citizen of the Year
From Feb. 1-6, Ean Bull and Louis Stang spent the week on a 24 foot high platform outside City Hall near the Hope Statue. They braved the winter weather in a fundraiser stunt for TeleMiracle50 on behalf of the Lloydminster Kinsmen. The result was over $100,000 was raised by the duo which combined with the Kinsmen’s Steak Night to hand over $160,000 from Lloydminster to TeleMiracle50.
At the meeting, Ean Bull was invited to speak on the technical and logistical aspects of the fundraiser. This included securing city approval, sponsorship, livestreaming the event and the technical intricacies of tracking donations using graphics in the livestream. All of this, not discounting that they spent a week of winter, braving the elements, 24 feet off the ground with only an igloo and hot tub for comfort.
Ean and Louis spent the week talking about Lloydminster’s service groups as they engaged their online audience. Addressing the Lions, Ean encouraged the community to persevere with volunteer and service group efforts
“Find your own unique way using your specific skills. Your innate “geekiness”. Serre your neighbours. Serve your community.”
He thanked the Lloydminster Kinsmen and the Lloydminster community for pitching in.
“This community is amazing. People don’t realize how impressive this community is compared to others, and how good we have got it. And the businesses around here – they are all community-minded,” says Ean.
Junior Citizen of the Year
Grade 11 Holy Rosary High School student, Gabby Munro is a lifeguard, synchronized swimmer, coach and mentor, who also volunteers to assist expectant mothers through her school’s Beba Project along with involvement in the Métis Local 18, Lloydminster.
The Beba Project at Holy Rosary High School raises money to help mothers, babies and families in need.
“I think it’s amazing,” says Gabby.
The Lloydminster Lions invited her to speak on the importance of water safety and went on to honour her for her volunteerism.
Growing up, Gabby says her mother, Stephanie, has always been community-minded, and she is “inspired to be like her mom.”
“She’s been a huge role model in my life. And even my grandmother, who is a part of the Lloydminster Métis Housing Group – just seeing how much good she can do in the community makes me want to do more,” says Gabby, as she thanked her family for all the support they give her.
Gabby has done synchronized swimming for several years and has been coaching for two years – mentoring and supporting the younger athletes.
The 16-year simply relishes helping as many people as she can and has future plans to be an ultra-sound technician.
“I hope to get into NAIT. Both my sisters go to the U of A,” concludes Gabby.
