(Left to Right) Wes Moore, project chair, Gavin Holcomb, vice-president of the Kinsmen Club, Marie Mathers, Donna Pfeil and Erin Bergen with the Prince Albert Daily Herald. (Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Community Leader

Veteran named P.A.’s citizen of the year

Nov 30, 2022 | 9:00 AM

One of Prince Albert’s most well-known volunteers is being recognized for all the work they’ve done for the community.

Marie Mathers, a veteran of the Second World War, was named the 2021 Citizen of the Year on Tuesday by the Kinsmen Club of Prince Albert and the Prince Albert Daily Herald.

In past years, the person is honoured early the following year, however, the COVID-19 pandemic forced this announcement to be delayed.

It was safe to say Mathers was caught off guard as she got quite emotional when she was officially told.

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“I think there are other people who do as much work as I do,” she said. “I do the work I do because I enjoy it.”

Mathers was nominated by Suzanne Bantle, the office manager for the Prince Albert branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. She explained that she’s had the chance to work directly with Mathers over the past year and she’s already had a lasting impression.

“She’s always doing something for anybody,” Bantle said.

She also noted Mathers is always one of the first people to help someone down on their luck and volunteer for different non-profits. To her, she’s an inspiration.

“At 88 years old, she still shovels her own snow. She’s just a trooper.”

Mathers, still in shock from the announcement, told reporters she plans on sharing the news with her son first. However, she’s gonna have to wait a bit before she can.

“I like to call my son, but I don’t want to wake him up because he’s a night driver,” she joked.

The Kinsmen Club of Prince Albert and the Prince Albert Daily Herald are still planning an event to recognize Mathers and present her with an official award. While there’s no exact date, it will reportedly happen before Christmas.

Meanwhile, the two organizations are preparing to accept nominations for the 2022 Citizen of the Year.

—

Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow