On May 8, 2021, on the occasion of his 83rd birthday, Enderby Council was thrilled to present a Lifetime Civic Merit award to John Pavelich – known throughout the community as “JP.”
A retired school teacher and 2016 recipient of the BC Community Achievement Award, JP has been a pillar of volunteerism since he joined in the community in 1967.
As Mayor McCune and Councillor Baird presented JP with an award acknowledging his tremendous contributions, various community members drove by honking horns, cheering, and planting signs of appreciation and balloons in his front yard. Other friends and family joined in on the surprise by teleconference, with a small group attending the outdoor presentation.
As a member of the Enderby & District Lions Club, JP is part of the leadership team that makes the Lions’ annual garage sale a fundraising success that gives back to Enderby in countless ways. JP can also be seen helping out at Mother’s Day pancake breakfasts, community clean-up days, and many other events.
JP not only gives back, he also gifts back as a Lions Club member who contributes his time and energy to the many community projects that have enhanced Enderby over the decades, such as the Lions Gazebo in Riverside Park. The Gazebo, constructed by the Lions in 2003, has served as a place of celebratory events and cherished gatherings, ranging from ball tournament concerts to weddings to recreation programs.
When asked what he thought was the value of volunteering in Enderby, in typical fashion, JP uses the question as an opportunity to celebrate the other volunteers with whom he works.
Volunteering in Enderby is “priceless, priceless,” affirms JP. “There are so many things to be done around this place and I am very fortunate to have all of the volunteers who come around to help.”
Pausing briefly, he gives an example of the community’s strong volunteer spirit: “When we built the Lions Gazebo in Spring 2003, we had a membership of 25 Lions members [before we started the project]. By the end of the project, our membership had risen to 75. So that is the kind of help that you get around this little town. I want to say ‘thank you’ to all of the members of our community.”
And we, the community, want to say “thank you” right back, JP.
Last Updated on July 13, 2021.