Longtime volunteer Ann Penner and professional golfer Nick Taylor have been named the recipients of prestigious awards from the City of Abbotsford.
The city announced on Monday afternoon (Nov. 6) that Penner is the recipient of the Order of Abbotsford, while Taylor is being honoured with the Community Champion Achievement Award for “their achievements, excellence and dedication to the community.”
Mayor Ross Siemens said the two are well-deserving of the awards.
“Whether through teaching, sports or helping a local cause, Ann and Nick both have made impressive contributions to our community and beyond through their talents, dedication and desire to give back, and we are proud to have them as ambassadors of our great city,” he said.
A city press releases says Penner is being honoured for her commitment as a volunteer and humanitarian.
“Described as the person to call when you need a helping hand, Penner has been a teacher, coach, mentor, guide and enthusiastic volunteer in the community for more than 50 years, and her work is sure to leave a lasting impact on our city,” the release states.
The Order of Abbotsford is given to a person “who has demonstrated a particularly high level of contribution or length of service to Abbotsford and its residents and who has brought distinction to themselves and the community.”
Recipients have their names recorded in the Order of Abbotsford Merit Book, which is maintained by the mayor’s office.
Taylor is being honoured for his athletic excellence and his recent RBC Canadian Open victory, when he became the first Canadian to win the event in 69 years.
Taylor turned pro in 2010 and has won the PGA tour three times. Taylor also supports the University of the Fraser Valley Cascades men’s and women’s golf programs.
“He has been representing Abbotsford across North America through the sport of golf since he was just 19 years old,” the press release states.
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Taylor also hosts the annual Nick Taylor Charity Classic Golf Tournament, presented by Algra Brothers. The event has supported charities such as 27Blue, Chilliwack Community Services, the Abbotsford Hospice Society’s Holmberg House and the Starfish Backpack program.
Since launching in 2017, the event has raised more than $1 million.
The Community Champion Achievement Award is given to an Abbotsford individual, group or organization who has achieved national or international recognition in a variety of areas, including academia, sports, arts and culture, or performed a noteworthy deed which is considered of benefit to the community.
As a recipient of the award, Taylor’s name will be engraved on a paving stone that will be placed along the city-wide Discovery Trail within Abbotsford’s Community Champions pavilion.
The Order of Abbotsford awards ceremony and formal Community Champion Achievement presentations will take place on Dec. 13.
RELATED: Nick Taylor Charity Classic raises more than $275,000
