During the anniversary year of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, 30,000 Coronation Medals will be awarded.
Goderich resident, business owner and life-long volunteer Doug Fines is one of the recipients this year.
“Being recognized for my community involvement has left me feeling very humble and honoured,” admitted Fines.
“The best advice I could hope to impart as part of my legacy would be to do good things, surround yourself with others doing good things, and great things will happen.”
In a letter to submit Fines as a possible candidate, his tireless and compassionate actions of community leadership was outlined.
Fines has been a Lions Club member for over 30 years, always setting the standard of volunteerism, donations, and public service.
“A visionary of success and excellence, he embodies and models the driven commitment of community service,” the letter reads.
Fines’ visionary spirit built a strong local business, and his passion for local prosperity has benefitted many charitable causes.
His legacy is one of an inspiring entrepreneur, an advocate for children, and a business leader using his platform to help causes raise funds or advertise their fundraising efforts.
Twenty-five years ago, Fines rallied a submission and won, bringing Disney to Huron County for a spectacular parade.
“His contagious enthusiasm is inspiring, and he is a humble mentor to those around him. He is leaving this community a better place for having had him,” the letter continues.
Volunteering is a great way to try new and interesting things for Fines, who stresses that those opportunities may change the lives of others and give volunteers a new direction to find their calling.
“Volunteering and knowing that you have been part of something bigger than yourself to change lives, spread hope and renew faith in the goodness of strangers is priceless,” said Fines.
“It is intrinsic, because the rewards are all in the joy of being part of a team that has made a difference.”
When keen on volunteering within a community, Fines offers advice to choose an existing organization with a great track record of local involvement and then allow yourself to watch and learn from those who build better communities.
“When embarking on the journey of volunteering, start small,” advised Fines.
“Your time is invaluable to groups that serve with purpose.”
As a local business owner, Fines is a keen supporter of the Goderich community. Doug and Margo Fines started Huronia Welding and Industrial Supply in 1978 and focused on providing industry leading customer service and quality welding products.
Forty-five years later, Doug and Margo’s entrepreneurial vision has helped Huronia grow to 35 full-time employees and over 75 depots throughout Northwestern Ontario.
The Coronation Medal Fines will receive commemorates the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III as King of Canada.
The medal will be administered by the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall.
Eligible candidates must meet certain criteria to be awarded this prestigious medal.
Candidates must have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, region or community in Canada, and be alive on May 6, 2023.
The medal, silver in colour bears a crowned and robed effigy of His Majesty the King of Canada, while on the reverse side there is a ring of triangular shapes evoking the image of string pennants. These 13 shapes allude to Canada’s provinces and territories, and their circular arrangement conveys the idea of inclusion for all Canadians.
Comments