Nine Central Okanagan residents who have been inspirational to their communities will be honoured as recipients of the King Charles III Coronation Medals. The medal presentation ceremony will be held in Kelowna on Wednesday at the Innovation Centre before a limited invited-guest-only audience. "These nominees are all outstanding people and citizens who have contributed in a positive way to our beautiful valley,” said Kelowna-Mission MLA Renee Merrifield.
“It is wonderful to be able to play a small part in this recognition and honour." Kelowna-West MLA Ben Stewart echoed Merrifield's sentiments, adding the medal recipients are “inspiring individuals who have contributed to Canada through a lifetime of business and community engagement. These members of our community define their success by the legacy left in our community.
” The medal nominees include business owners, civic politicians, business people and community service providers. They are: • Carmen Rempel, executive director of Kelowna's Gospel Mission • Dr. Rhonda Nelson, executive director of Starbright Centre for Child Development • Domenic Rampone, with Rampone Farms and a volunteer with Kelowna agriculture advisory committee, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, Western Canada-Italian Chamber of Commerce, Okanagan Historical Society • Lois Serwa, long-time volunteer and philanthropist, most recently donated $1 million to the Okanagan College Recreation & Wellness Centre along with her husband, Cliff Serwa, a f.