A dedicated community advocate has been recognized for the effort he puts into improving the lives of others.

Jim Perchaluk received a Community Service Medallion for his work as president of the the Ukrainian Folk Arts Centre and Museum, the Selo Ukraina site, and other volunteer efforts such as the Parkland Ukrainian Family Fund.

Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa MP Dan Mazier made the surprise presentation during a visit to Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival (CNUF).

“In reading and speaking with others on Jim’s contributions over the years, it is clear how selfless he was, and continues to be, in supporting his community and those around him,” Mazier said. “Jim’s contributions are genuinely bettering the lives of countless people and these contributions should not go unrecognized.”

The award truly was a surprise for Perchaluk.

“It came out of the blue,” Perchaluk said, adding you do not think about awards and recognition when you donate your time and talents. “When you volunteer you’re not looking to get anything in return. I guess I’ve been volunteering with Selo for more than 25 years and out of the blue somebody recognized that. It was quite an honour.”

The full story is in this week's Dauphin Herald!