Ladysmith Renames Citizen of the Year Award to Community Impact Award
The long‑standing Citizen of the Year Award in Ladysmith has been renamed the Community Impact Award to broaden recognition to both individuals and community groups that contribute volunteer work, leadership and dedication. Organizers say the change reflects the growing diversity of service in the town.
Mary Furneaux, vice president and vendor coordinator of the Ladysmith Celebration Society, explained that the new name better honors the many organisations and volunteers that support Ladysmith. The 2026 recipient has already been selected and will be announced at 8 p.m. on Sunday during Ladysmith Days, just before the headlining band Sunset Strip performs. The final Citizen of the Year Award was presented in 2025 to the late Arlene Jaswal, who was honoured posthumously for decades of volunteer service.
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Arlene Jaswal · Community Impact Award · Ladysmith · Ladysmith Celebration Society · Mary Furneaux
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- [● 3 SOURCES] Mary Furneaux is vice president and vendor coordinator for the Ladysmith Celebration Society. ladysmithchronicle.com · chemainusvalleycourier.ca · cowichanvalleycitizen.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The new award will recognize both individuals and organizations for volunteer work, leadership, and dedication. ladysmithchronicle.com · chemainusvalleycourier.ca · cowichanvalleycitizen.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The final Citizen of the Year Award was presented in 2025 to the late Arlene Jaswal, posthumously. ladysmithchronicle.com · chemainusvalleycourier.ca · cowichanvalleycitizen.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The 2026 award recipient has already been selected and will be announced at 8 p.m. Sunday during Ladysmith Days, before the band Sunset Strip performs. ladysmithchronicle.com · chemainusvalleycourier.ca · cowichanvalleycitizen.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Citizen of the Year Award in Ladysmith has been renamed the Community Impact Award. ladysmithchronicle.com · chemainusvalleycourier.ca · cowichanvalleycitizen.com