Big Valley’s Allan Johnston was honoured last week with the prestigious Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award during a ceremony in Edmonton.
Johnston was one of six Albertans who received the award, which recognizes individuals who give selflessly of their time to help others and make a significant contribution to their community.
The award highlights “the fine example set by the volunteers, whose compassion and engagement are so much a part of the Canadian character.”
Johnston was recognized for more than 40 years of volunteer work in leading the preservation of the heritage of the Big Valley community.
Nominated by Shawn Smith of the Canadian Northern Railroad Society, Johnston’s contribution to the community was summed up this way: “Allan Johnston has planned, led, organized and compiled everything that involves heritage in the village of Big Valley. A community leader, he has been the driving force and the glue behind the Big Valley Historical Society. He worked very hard to preserve the buildings and railroads of the region that today are important to the local tourism economy. He is a dedicated and passionate volunteer who has protected a historical legacy that is now available for future generations.”
Smith made the nomination about two years ago.
Johnston, 83, received a phone call in early August, about three weeks before the awards ceremony, informing him of the honour he would receive.
“I couldn’t believe it, at first,” he said.
Last Tuesday’s ceremony in Edmonton was held at Government House and hosted by the Hon. Donald S. Ethell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, acting on behalf of David Johnston, the Governor General of Canada.
“Each of these outstanding Albertans has offered a lifetime of dedicated service,” Ethell said.
“They have quietly and compassionately gone about the work of building better communities for us all. On behalf of His Excellency, the Right Hon. David Johnston, I’m pleased to be able to offer sincere thanks for their great work.”
The dedicated Big Valley volunteer was thankful for the attention.
“I feel very honoured,” Johnston said.
Joining him at the ceremony — which he described as “small but impressive” — were his wife Florence, their daughter Elaine Johnston-MacMillan and son-in-law Robert MacMillan of Camrose, their sons David and Dale of Big Valley and Daryl of Calgary, as well as Camrose resident Shawn Smith, who made the nomination.
Johnston, a retired shop teacher, taught in Stettler and Big Valley prior to moving to Big Valley in 1973. He has been president of the Big Valley Historical Society since its inception in 1982 and instrumental is preserving St. Edmund’s Church, the train station, McAllister’s garage and the Alberta Wheat Pool elevator.
“I feel a debt to honour the pioneers who settled our community, because they had the faith and perseverance to build the community that we enjoy today,” Johnston said.
The Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award was created in 1995 when the Right Hon. Romeo LeBlanc became Governor General. LeBlanc, who’s now deceased, was determined to thank the unsung heroes who volunteer their time, their efforts and a great deal of their lives to helping others, while asking for nothing in return.
Since its creation, more than 1,300 volunteers from across Canada have received the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award, including 103 from Alberta.