Brenda Fowler (middle) was presented with a King Charles III Coronation Medal by MLA Sheila Malcolmson (on left) and Lisa-Marie Barron (right). Barron had nominated Fowler for the medal when she was served as MP for Nanaimo-Ladysmith. Sarah Holmes photo
Sounder News
This past Friday afternoon, Gabriolan Brenda Fowler was presented with the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
The ceremony took place at the Gabriola branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL).
Lisa Marie Barron, former MP for Gabriola, was one of the presenters, as she had nominated Fowler for the medal.
MLA Sheila Malcolmson was present, to pin the medal on Fowler on behalf of King Charles III.
Other dignitaries present included current MP Tamara Kronis, and Island Trustee Tobi Elliott. Sending regrets were Trustee Susan Yates, and Regional Director Vanessa Craig.
Barron said, “Today, we come together to honour someone who’s strength and unwavering dedication have helped shape Gabriola Island into the resilient, compassionate community that we see here today.”
She describes Fowler as living by the belief of thinking globally, and acting locally.
“She has spent decades putting that belief into action.”
Barron described Fowler’s involvement with the building of the Gabriola Medical Clinic, serving as a director on the Gabriola Health Care Foundation.
“Brenda played a key leadership role in building the…clinic, leading a team of over 60 community members, laying the foundation for improved access to local care.”
That work with the clinic, says Barron, sparked a passion for community development.
This led to Fowler serving for 12 years as the Executive Director for People for a Healthy Community.
Barron said, “during my time as an MP, and as a school board trustee, I saw firsthand the profound impact of Brenda’s work. Brenda, you have shown what is possible, when compassion an determination come together in service for others.
“On behalf of all of us who have been touched by your leadership – and clearly there’s a room full of us – I want to say thank you and congratulations.”
Fowler thanked those who were present for attending the ceremony and said, “thank you very much for being part of this journey, because a journey.
“All of us have made a difference in our community. The expression of neighbors, helping neighbors, really resonates who we are as a community, because when someone is in need, it is quietly met. Whether that’s through the Lions, or through a neighbor, or through an organization, it really doesn’t matter, because it happens.”
She spoke of a lesson she learned during the Covid-19 Pandemic from Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC’s Provincial Health Officer during the pandemic.
Fowler said, “I learned that kindness is the core of respect.
“We all have a choice to be kind, and just because we can do something doesn’t mean we should do something.
“And likewise, to be to give up time is the most respectful thing you can do, because that is what it to me, is has become the heart of kindness. Taking time.
“Giving people time.
“So for all of the time that you give and have given, know that it has been positive energy in the universe. That it’s created change and that it’s contributed to learning, because we’re all on a journey.
“Life is a journey. And it doesn’t matter who you are.
“Life is not easy.”
She added that it has been a privilege to have been in a leadership role.
“I think of the young women, young men, the staff that I have had a chance to mentor, and how those young people have spun off into the universe on their adventure and on their life adventure.
“And isn’t that a wonderful thing that we each have had a chance to participate in? So say yes, when you get a chance. Move forward when you get a chance. And thank you so very much for this recognition.”
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