On Tuesday, August 11, Neil Fidler accepted a Lifetime Civic Merit Award from City of Enderby Mayor and Council to a packed gallery inside the Enderby Arts Centre.
City of Enderby Mayor Huck Galbraith recognized Neil “for his contributions to community spirit in the arts, business and culture.”
Neil summarized his commitment to Enderby perfectly in his acceptance speech:
“We moved to Enderby 22 years ago and one of the first things I did was join the Garden Club…Things just took off and got out of control. I once had signing authority for four different organizations in town.”
The crowd laughed loudly, as he continued, “I’ve scaled back a lot. I’m still here and I hope to be still doing this for awhile yet.”
“We hope so too!” shouted a voice from the gallery.
When Neil volunteers for a cause or organization that matters to him, he goes all in, climbing his way to the top:
He’s served as Secretary, Treasurer, and Board Member of the Enderby & District Garden Club.
He was on the Enderby in Bloom Committee.
He has held the roles of Board Member, Secretary, and President (on two occasions) for the Enderby & District Arts Council.
He’s been on the Board of the Enderby Chamber of Commerce, and has been Chair of the Christmas Committee.
The location of the award presentation was particularly significant and meaningful.
The presentation was held in the gallery of Enderby Arts Centre (617 Cliff Avenue), which Georgia Atwood, current president of the Enderby & District Arts Council (EDAC) shed light on in her own speech.
“[The Centre] was his idea. He came up with the plan and then he put a bunch of us to work, and look we’re still here after five years and I have to say a lot of it has to do with Neil.”
Neil expanded on the detail of his volunteerism in Enderby with a written bio, “After retiring from Canada Post in 2004, my wife and I moved to Enderby and quickly fell in love with the community.”
“Its welcoming spirit inspired me to become actively involved, and I have been proud to contribute to the organizations that help make Enderby such a vibrant place to live.”
Lifetime Civic Merit Award recipients are nominated by members of Council and must receive a unanimous vote.
“My years of volunteering have been driven by a commitment to strengthening the community, supporting local arts and culture, and helping make Enderby an even better place to live.”
If you feel inspired by Neil’s commitment and impact on the community, the Enderby & District Arts Council is welcoming new volunteers.