Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Manitoba thrift store workers and a Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) worker have been honored for their volunteer work in Manitoba.

Gord Friesen received the Royal Bank Local Hero Award for his work helping flood survivors in the months following the 1997 Red River flood. "Gord Friesen was right there through it all and continues to work with victims," said Archie

Arnott, vice president of business banking for the Royal Bank, in presenting the award.

Meanwhile, the 2,500 volunteers of MCC Manitoba thrift stores received a 2000 Premier's Volunteer Service Award. Thrift shop coordinator Martha Klassen and Nettie Stoesz, thrift shop manager in Altona for 22 years, accepted the award.

Ken Reddig, MCC Manitoba executive director, said it was a great honour to have the volunteer efforts of these people, who are closely connected with MCC, acknowledged publically.

The 17th annual awards ceremony and luncheon on April 11 was attended by an estimated 1,500 people including Lt. Governor Peter Liba, Premier Gary Doer, and Winnipeg Mayor Glen Murray.

"Thank-you for an absolutely invaluable contribution that you [volunteers] make to our city and to our province," said Murray. Other volunteers were honored at the ceremony as well.

MCC Manitoba