King Charles III Coronation Medals awarded to 4 outstanding Chilliwack-Kent residents

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According to biographical information provided by Paddon, Gionet has been described as a local community advocate who has lived in the Chilliwack area for the past 29 years. He previously served on the Public Art Advisory Committee through the City of Chilliwack and was an advisor for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. For the past three years, he has served on the board of the Chilliwack Museum and Archives where he currently serves as vice president.

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The other award recipients were Julie Unger, executive director of the Chilliwack Society for Community Living, District of Kent Mayor Sylvia Pranger, and Chilliwack Councillor Jason Lum.

Unger has dedicated her career to inclusion in the community. Described as a champion for the individuals and families she serves. Unger has served in the Community Living sector at CSCL since 1984, including various roles as a community support worker, manager of Children’s Services and Community Respite, and director of Children’s & Community Development prior to her role as executive director. Unger holds a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University. She also served in the past as Rotary president.

Sylvia Pranger has tirelessly served the District of Kent as mayor and dedicated her energy and passion to improving supports and infrastructure in Agassiz. She also serves as the chair of the Fraser Valley Regional Hospital District.

Pranger has previous local government experience both as a councillor and as mayor. She is an active volunteer in her community and appreciates the contributions that rural communities make to B.C. She is a strong advocate making sure that rural issues are heard.

Councillor Lum’s work and actions during the 2021 atmospheric flooding event significantly helped to protect and support the community and surrounding area. He has demonstrated dedication to the community and region as a citizen, FVRD Chair and Councillor for the City of Chilliwack. Lum has nearly two decades of experience in senior level community development, local and regional governance, entrepreneurship, and advocacy through his work as a councillor and chair of the Fraser Valley Regional District. He is a regular speaker and presenter to his peers across British Columbia, and has built a strong reputation for being a passionate advocate for many local and provincial issues.

Lum also has a diverse history of volunteerism having been a board member of the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce (president), Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation, Downtown BIA, Chilliwack Museum, chairman of the Lower Mainland Economic Sustainability Panel, the Sto:lo Development Corporation, as well as vice chairman of the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation.

“They have all played a part in making their communities an amazing place to live, and have built legacies that will continue that effort for generations to come,” Paddon said.

The Coronation Medal, a Canadian honour created to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, was launched by Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and recognizes those who have made significant contributions to Canada and their home province. The medal will be awarded to 30,000 deserving individuals across the country and is the first Canadian honour to mark a coronation.