Outstanding Community Service Award

Posted by Darrell Portz 
 

It was my pleasure to present a new award for this year on behalf of Rotary Club of Yellowknife.

 

By awarding this Outstanding Community Service Award we recognize a corporate citizen who's contributions to the community exemplify the Four Way Test that we Rotarian's hold dear, and we thank them for their service to our community.

 

This year's recipient is First Air.

All you have to do is look around Yellowknife and the rest of the North for that matter on posters or advertisements for various community events and you will more than likely see First Air as a sponsor.
 

Some of the very worthwhile programs that First Air recently sponsored include:

 

The RCMP - DARE program

The RCMP - Onside program

Skills Canada

Dreams Take Flight

Space Camp

President's Charity Ball in Iqaluit

Special Olympics

Computers for Schools

Smart Communities and

Many of the festivals in our community and around the north.

 

In addition they provide support to many community groups.  Some of these groups include:

 

Royal Canadian Legion

The Elks

Lions Club

Rotary Club

CNIB

NWT Literacy Council

SADD

SPCA

Legislative Assembly and

Scout Canada

Only to name a few

 

Sometimes First Air's donations are not well known and are done for simply being the right thing to do.

 

Last year when two local firefighters were killed First Air jumped into action. The same day as the tragic event, arrangements were made and the family members were flown in at no charge.  First Air later also provided an incredibly low rate to allow friends, relatives and other servicemen to attend the memorial service.

 

First Air provides donations and support to many. Businesses, sport teams, organizations, churches, wellness conferences, and events of all kinds have all been a recipient of support at sometime from First Air, particularly when youth are involved. 
 

First Air is 60 years old this year and employs over 1000 employees with more than 200 right here in Yellowknife who provide countless hours of volunteerism.

 

There can be no doubt that First Air supports the communities it serves and as a good corporate citizen knows that it makes a difference.  Through the unknowing application of our Four Way Test:

 

  • Is it the truth
  • Is it Fair to all concerned
  • Will it build goodwill and better friendships; and
  • Is it beneficial to all.

 

First Air is truly deserving of the year's Community Service Award.

 

Yellowknife's Director of Sales is Mike Olson accepted this award and our thanks on behalf of First Air.Â