Joan LeMoine received a special gift on her 90th birthday.
On Monday, the longtime Parksville volunteer was recognized by the city for her “tremendous contributions to the quality of life in our community.”
The day was proclaimed ‘Joan LeMoine Day in the City of Parksville’, and she became only the second person to receive a key to the city.
Unfortunately, due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, it was not possible to host a larger public event. Mayor Ed Mayne and council hosted a small group, including members of Lemoine’s family.
“Joan LeMoine is extremely well respected for the good work she does in our community and the recognition today by the City of Parksville is well-deserved,” said Mayne. “I’ve been fortunate as Joan started helping me with ‘coffee with the mayor’ in 2009 and has been there ever since. On behalf of council and residents… it was my great honour to present Joan with the key to the City of Parksville.”
READ MORE: Parksville volunteer hits her $10,000 target
READ MORE: Parksville’s sand sculpting competition marks 20 years since moving off the beach
In a release, city officials pointed to July 6 as a significant day in Parksville’s history. The only other recipient of the key to the city is current Parksville-Qualicum MLA Michelle Stilwell, who in 2012 was recognized for her contributions to sport and community. The original plan was to present the key to LeMoine on June 19, at the city’s 75th birthday celebrations.
LeMoine has been a resident of Parksville since 1995 and her service to the community and countless hours of volunteering have made a significant difference to many. And she continues to be an active volunteer. She was instrumental in re-establishing the Parksville Beach Festival Society that now organizes the world-famous sand sculpting event.
LeMoine volunteered for many years on the Society of Organized Services board and continues to raise funds for COPS for Cancer Tour de Rock. She continues to volunteer with the Oceanside Community Safety Keeping in Touch program and Mount Arrowsmith Branch 49 of the Royal Canadian Legion.
She has been recognized for her contributions both provincially and federally, receiving the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012, the Community Ambassador Award from the City of Parksville in 2013 and the Medal of Good Citizenship in 2016.
— NEWS Staff, submitted