Karen Dowler is the Clifford Citizen of the Year
Members of the Clifford and District Lions Club recently announced that Dowler was their choice for the award.
Ivan Campbell reported that Karen passed her 30 year mark as an employee of the Royal Bank in Clifford and tirelessly takes time out to help within the community.
Dowler was involved in the Clifford Minor Hockey Association for 25 years arranging and hosting tournaments, helping whenever and wherever needed, and serving as treasurer.
A few years ago, Dowler was chosen by her bank to receive an award for her volunteer work, entitled, Why Karen Dowler never passes the puck, when it comes to local minor hockey.
Dowler has worked with the Clifford and District Horticultural Society as treasurer and has received grants of $500 to donate to the society.
She helps with the youth program; prepares, plants, and maintains the flower boxes; attends meetings and conventions; helps at the winter card parties; bakes for the plant and bake sale; and tidies the village during an Earth Day clean up.
Society past-president Esther Hallman agreed, “Her hours of volunteering and her commitment to the society are very much appreciated and show the dedication that exists to keep Clifford beautiful, growing, and blooming. This past year, she won an award from Communities in Bloom for having such a wonderful floral display at the Bank.”
Dowler accepted the role as treasurer of the Clifford Recreation Association, a group that emerged a few years ago when the existence of the Clifford arena was threatened.
Grant applications repaid through volunteer hours at the arena have met with great success and many supporters have chosen to contribute donations to keep the program and the arena in full operation.
Dowler is also the treasurer of the Clifford Food Bank. Accepting donations of money and toys for those less fortunate in the community brings her great joy.
Dowler also works at Jamesway Manor seeing to the needs of the seniors who reside there and lends a hand when needed. She is an avid bowler and is committed to walking every day throughout the village.
She attends the Knox United Church in Clifford.
Ivan Campbell said, “Thank you Karen, for being a community champion.”
President Allan Manning and Campbell presented Dowler with a personal plaque. Her name will also be added to the plaque on display in the lobby at the Clifford post office.
Lions members present Ruth and Sheldon Wolfe, Fay Binkley, Gary and Lois Zettler, and Lions partner Sheila Campbell expressed their congratulations.
Dowler was thankful for her award and will continue to serve the community in her volunteer roles.
