Jason Wheeldon of Royal LePage East Kootenay Realty was recently awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of his decades-long commitment to volunteerism and community service in Cranbrook, British Columbia.

On September 9, Kootenay MP Rob Morrison presented medals and certificates at his constituency office to several upstanding citizens, including Wheeldon who was awarded as a testament to his dedication to making Cranbrook a better place to live.

Wheeldon’s community involvement

Wheeldon’s efforts have included numerous local initiatives like the annual Turkey Drive, which raises essential funds for the Cranbrook Food Bank and the Salvation Army. He has helped to build local parks as a charter member of the Sunrise Rotary Club, coach youth sports and organize local festivals.

Wheeldon is involved with organizations such as the Kinsmen Club, Big Brothers and Sisters, the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Cranbrook Youth Ambassador Program.

Family credited with much of his success

Reflecting on his journey, Jason shares: “It all began back in 1993 when I became a Big Brother and chaired the Kin Clubs’ March of Dimes fundraiser. Since then, I’ve had the privilege to work on many meaningful projects, like co-founding the Cranbrook Chamber Turkey Drive, which continues to support those in need. The growth of this initiative has been incredible, and it’s a true community effort that humbles me every year.”

Wheeldon credits much of his success to his family. Alongside his wife, who created a backpack food program for local schools, he has worked tirelessly to support the causes close to their hearts. Their dedication to Cranbrook has been a powerful example for their two daughters.

Photo: royallepageleadingedge.ca

From left: Dr. Tracey Parnell, Brent Bidston, Rob Morrison, Dennis Walker, Jason Wheeldon and Karin Penner

Ken Welte, an agent with Sutton West Coast Realty, recently achieved his Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification and earned his Emergency Medical Assistance (EMA) license. This follows a life-changing experience in 2021 when Welte survived a serious ATV accident. 

Resulting from a deep desire to give back to those in need, Welte now volunteers as an EMR.

Welte’s story: Inspired by a near-death experience

On January 15, 2021, Welte and his wife, Laura, were involved in a near-death ATV accident that left them both in critical condition. Laura was airlifted to safety, while Welte was transported by UTV. He recalls the professionalism and dedication of the BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) and Nanaimo Search and Rescue (SAR) teams. 

“Their expertise and care were nothing short of life-saving,” he says. “The pain management provided by the BCEHS was crucial. Without it, an already horrific experience would have been unbearable.”

Welte’s mission as an EMR, inspired by the care he and his wife received, is to provide the same humane pain management care to others in their time of need. As a volunteer with SAR, he recognized the importance of being well-equipped with advanced skills and knowledge and so decided to pursue his EMR certification. 

After six months of study and training, Welte passed the EMA exam and earned his license. Today, he volunteers with SAR, responding to emergencies at least once a week, including swift water rescues and community mental health calls.

“This certification is just the beginning,” Welte emphasizes. “I’m committed to continuous learning and improvement so I can offer the best care possible to those in need.”

Photo: suttonspirit.com

This year, Camp Choice BC brought together a group of realtors who volunteered their time and energy to make a lasting impact on the lives of at-risk youth. In six days, they immersed themselves in the camp experience, leading a series of empowering activities designed to build confidence, leadership and resilience among the participants.

A week of growth and adventure

The camp offered a wide range of activities that were both challenging and rewarding for the youth, including archery and horseback riding. Under the guidance of their realtor mentors, the youth learned to overcome initial fears and embrace the excitement of these activities.

One of the most transformative experiences of the camp was the high ropes course. This physically demanding challenge required the youth to confront their fears head-on, with the realtors offering support, encouragement and guidance throughout the journey.

Breaking through barriers

Another powerful activity was the board-breaking exercise, where youth were encouraged to write down things that were holding them back, whether it was fear, self-doubt or negative influences. With the support of their peers and mentors, they then physically broke through the boards, symbolizing their commitment to overcoming these barriers in their lives.

Tackling tough topics

The camp also provided important educational sessions on critical issues such as drug and alcohol use and self-harm. These sessions were designed to equip the youth with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions and understand the consequences of harmful behaviors. Realtors led discussions, offering a safe space for the youth to ask questions, share their experiences and seek support.

Building leaders for the future

The camp also featured classroom sessions focused on leadership development. Led by the realtors, these sessions emphasized the importance of communication, teamwork and problem-solving. Through interactive exercises and discussions, the youth explored what it means to be a leader and how they can apply these lessons in their communities.

As well, realtors shared their own experiences, offering insights into how the skills learned at camp could translate into real-world success.

A commitment to community

Facilitators John Patricelli, Phil Moore, Xyrina Gutierrez, Celia Chiu & Chelsea Wiseman

Phil Moore, the camp’s vice chair and mentor, notes that realtors’ involvement in Camp Choice BC is a testament to their deep commitment to giving back to the community. “By taking time out of their demanding careers to mentor and guide these young people, they are making a profound difference in their lives,” he highlights.

“The impact of their work extends far beyond the camp itself, as the lessons learned and the confidence gained will continue to influence these youth for years to come. The camp continues to be a place where young people can discover their potential, build lasting friendships and develop the skills they need to succeed.”