Vernon Good Citizen of the Year 2021: Cathie Stewart

For decades, Cathie Stewart has been a quiet force behind many of Vernon’s most cherished community organizations. Now, her tireless dedication and volunteer spirit have been formally recognized. Stewart has been named Vernon’s Good Citizen of the Year for 2021, an annual award presented by Junior Chamber International (JCI) Vernon.

The surprise presentation took place on April 27, 2022, at Ratio Coffee, where JCI members, supporters, and representatives from our law firm gathered to honour her contributions.

A Lifetime of Giving Back

Stewart has been deeply embedded in the Vernon community since moving from Vancouver in 1975. It didn’t take long for her to jump into volunteering, starting with the Vernon Crisis Line after seeing a call for volunteers posted at Vernon Jubilee Hospital, where she worked in healthcare.

That first role sparked a lifelong commitment to community service. Over the years, she has volunteered with:

• Vernon Jazz Club – Serving as president, helping to strengthen its presence in the community

• Okanagan Screen Arts Society – Supporting Towne Theatre revitalization efforts

• Performing Arts Centre & Okanagan Symphony – Assisting with events and programs

• Vernon Public Art Gallery – Volunteering at silent auctions

• Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival – Helping with event organization

• Okanagan Military Tattoo – Supporting this iconic musical event

• Powerhouse Theatre

Stewart’s impact isn’t about public recognition. She prefers to work behind the scenes, ensuring events and organizations thrive. She describes her role as orchestrating people to get things done, a skill she has applied to many different causes.

Leading Through Challenge

In 2021, Stewart stepped into a leadership role she never expected. Having served as vice president of the Vernon Jazz Club, she had initially agreed to the position under one condition: she would not take over as president. However, when the club’s president unexpectedly passed away, she reluctantly stepped in to keep the organization moving forward.

Her work at the Vernon Jazz Club has been instrumental in keeping live jazz alive in Vernon, ensuring that local musicians and audiences continue to enjoy world-class performances.

Honouring a True Leader in Vernon

JCI Vernon’s Good Citizen of the Year Award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to make Vernon a better place.

As part of the award, Kidston Helm Ross Lawyers provided a $500 donation in Stewart’s name. She chose to direct the funds to the Vernon Jazz Club, supporting the club’s ongoing efforts to bring live music to the community.