A Red Deer man who has provided years of service to BGC, formerly known as the Boys and Girls Club, has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
On Thursday, March 13, Youth HQ announced Les Waite has received the medal that is awarded to people who have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community, or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.
Waite began as a youth in BGC programs, often spending summers at Camp Alexo, where he was inspired by his many camp leaders and decided to join the agency as a staff member. He joined BGC and Youth HQ as a staff member in 1997 and “has been paramount” in the growth and development of BGC, Camp Alexo, and Youth HQ in Central Alberta, the organization explained in a media release.
“When he was a camper and I was the BGC program manager, Les once told me he would have my job one day” said John Johnston, who has worked with Les for many years and nominated him for the award.
“He was right, and the BGC program has grown in Red Deer so much over the years, thanks to his dedication to the work.”
On top of his usual duties in BGC and Camp Alexo, many programs within BGC have received the benefit of Les’s hard work and creativity, added the Youth HQ media release.
“No matter the event or program, Les has managed to find time to assist, and his work has helped create opportunities, memories and life-long impacts to countless youth in Central Alberta.
“BGC and Youth HQ offer a heartfelt congratulations to Les Waite on this well-deserved recognition.”
BGC provides fun after school and out-of-school programs and activities for young people. BGC of Red Deer and District was started in 1983, and currently serves over 900 youth in 12 communities around Central Alberta. Youth HQ coordinates programming for BGC of Red Deer and District — it additionally offers other programs and services that support children, youth and families.