(File photo/paNOW Staff)

By paNOW Staff

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE

Jim Pattison receives Sask. Distinguished Service Award

Mar 18, 2022 | 11:15 AM

The provincial government has recognized Jim Pattison with the Saskatchewan Distinguished Service Award for his commitment to the economy and dedication to philanthropy.

Pattison was privately presented with the award last month and said it was a huge honour to receive it.

“It came in the mail and I phoned the Premier and thanked him. Having been born in Saskatchewan, it’s certainly meaningful.”

“His success is attributed to his hard work, dedication and consideration for the greater good,” said Premier Scott Moe in a statement. “Saskatchewan is proud to present Mr. Pattison with the award, as his contributions to the province have benefited so many.”

Pattison started his career as a car salesman and is now the CEO, chair and sole owner of the Jim Pattison Group, Canada’s largest privately held company. He is also the owner of Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Guinness World Records, Save-On-Foods, Quality Foods, Real Estate Development and many radio and television stations across the western provinces.

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Pattison has also donated $50 million toward the construction of the children’s hospital in Saskatoon, which is now named in his honour.

He said it’s quite an achievement to be recognized by his home province.

“I go to Saskatchewan every summer and go to visit some of our locations where we have business. It’s certainly meaningful to me and I am very grateful.”

“Mr. Pattison has not only enriched Saskatchewan’s economy, he has also improved the lives of the citizens in our province,” Moe said. “I want to personally thank Mr. Pattison for his work and continued contributions.”

Pattison has always found ways to give back to the province. In July 2017, he arranged for Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe’s crystal and rhinestone-encrusted dress, made famous when she wore it to sing “Happy Birthday” to U.S. President John F. Kennedy, to be displayed in his hometown of Luseland, SK, drawing observers from far and wide. The dress made further stops at his Save-On-Food locations in Saskatoon and Regina and other stores in western Canada.

The Saskatchewan Distinguished Service Award recognizes non-residents of the province who have made outstanding contributions to Saskatchewan and the development of the province’s economy, culture, and society.

Nominations for the Saskatchewan Distinguished Service Award may be proposed by any ministry, agency or Crown corporation of the Government of Saskatchewan, or authority in which the government is a direct partner.

Including Pattison, 25 non-residents have received the award since its inception in 1997.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow