A Kelowna resident has been honoured for her incredible time and effort in the battle against ALS.

Louise Gauthier has received the 2023 ALS Society of BC Roy Slater Volunteer Award for 2023. The award is given to the person who makes a selfless contribution to the ALS society through volunteering and devotion.

鈥淟ouise Gauthier gives so much back to ALS BC. She can be proud of the work she does, the person she is and the difference she makes in the lives of those living with and affected by ALS,鈥� said Wendy Toyer, Executive Director of the ALS Society of BC.

In 2023, Gauthier:

• Logged more than 190 volunteer hours;
• Co-Facilitator of the Living with ALS Kelowna Support Group;
• Board Director;
• Move to Cure ALS 鈥� Kelowna Co-Coordinator;
• On-course volunteer ALS Golf Tournament of Hope;
• Member of the ALS BC Patient Services Committee.

The Living with ALS support group in Kelowna meets nine times a year, which are both in-person and available online for those who want to help but find it challenging to travel to meetings. At each meeting, Gauthier gives out a gift card as a door prize, along with a personal card to one person in attendance. They also hold a barbecue every year.

At the 2023 Tournament of Hope, which took place in Kamloops, more than 150 attended. When she was volunteering at the event, her home was put on evacuation order because of the Grouse Complex wildfires.

鈥淚t truly is an honour to accept the Roy Slater Volunteer of the Year award,鈥� said Gauthier. 鈥淰olunteering with ALSBC has become such a meaningful part of my life. After my Mum passed away from the disease in 2018, I wanted to give back as a way to thank the Society for all they did for my family. It is a pleasure to support people living with ALS in our province. Through my friends in the ALS community, I鈥檓 reminded each day that it is important to spend time doing things that bring you joy: Volunteering with ALSBC brings me fulfillment and hope. I plan to continue volunteering with the Society until we find a cure for ALS.鈥�

Gauthier was given the award on Tuesday, April 9 at the Celebration of Volunteerism and Service ceremony hosted by the ALS Society of BC in Richmond.

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