Project Porchlight volunteers, friends, and guests were joined by Environment Minister Rob Renner, Mayor Norm Boucher, and One Change executive director Stuart Hickox to celebrate the commitment to the Medicine Hat campaign that saw upward of 30,000 energy efficient CFLs distributed by dedicated individuals and service groups.
The event took place on Saturday, January 19th at the Esplanade. Alberta's Environment Minister said that we should not view the achievement as the end, but rather a beginning. A beginning, Minister Renner said, as a result of the awareness created by the simple action of changing a light bulb that invites us to look for other conservation possibilities such as installing a low flow showerhead. Mayor Boucher spoke about the foundation of Medicine Hat's economy and the need to conserve the natural gas, which is not a renewable resource. Stuart Hickox spoke about how in the midst of running several campaigns, which have culminated in the one million bulb mark, he was reminded by his son Jasper, why he is driven to endure long days and travel - because Project Porchlight is one of those simple actions that makes for a brighter future for the next generation. No doubt a shared value by all present - and many who come to be part of the campaign - as his remarks were met with applause and cheers.
The Medicine Hat campaign owes its success to many people and organisations - literally hundreds of people who took on various roles. The event was about acknowledging these efforts. Each individual, no matter how small, nor how big their contribution matters. Some who went the extra mile were awarded a volunteer certificate of recognition at the event. John Frame announced their names as Minister Renner awarded the certificates. Among those were: Marion Rolston, Heather McCaig, Corey Schock, and Laura Riley. Additionally, John Frames' wife, Alvera Frame awarded. John was concerned about the perception of awarding a certificate to someone so close to him. We couldn't think of a more appropriate volunteer to publicly acknowledge. Alvera is truly a star volunteer, having distributed well over 400 light bulbs in Medicine Hat. The Alberta team recalled the October launch that took place at the Esplanade where Alvera volunteered to pick up last minute items, assisted with our set up, and contributed her hospitality for those in attendance. Boyd Alcock, a Kiwanian who could not be on hand Saturday was acknowledged and presented with an award certificate. Boyd is among a few key people who promoted the arrival of Project Porchlight in Alberta and Medicine Hat. Another Kiwanian, Joe Cisco was the recipient of a certificate. And Russ Smith with the City of Medicine Hat's Environmental Management, whose works to ensure a successful partnership with Project Porchlight made the coordination of logistics and communications possible.
Three service clubs whose membership formed a strong foundation for the campaign were awarded certificates. They are The Golden K Kiwanis Club, The Medicine Hat Kiwanis Club, and The Lions Club of Redcliff.
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