One week after learning the great news, Murray Freeman remains shocked.
Freeman was named the 2024 Lumby Lions Club Citizen of the Year, and was presented the annual award at a home away from home for Freeman, the Lumby and District Museum. Freeman volunteers as a host for the museum once a week.
"I was very surprised, still am," said Freeman, 57, a lifelong village resident. "When they told me I was the Citizen of the Year, I thought they were joking."
He was honoured with the trophy and a spot in the village's annual Lumby Days parade.
Volunteering is a way of life for Freeman, which is why he was a natural choice for the Lumby Lions for 2024.
"He's always willing to help. Anyone, anytime," said Linda Vlasveld with the Lions.
Freeman delivers the Lumby Valley Times newspaper to local businesses and associations like the Old Age Pensioners. And along with his museum role, Freeman is always helping out seniors who need it, or setting up the Lumby Lions Club's tents for their many events around town.
And while he enjoys telling people about Lumby's history at the museum, or lending a hand when asked, there is one main reason, he said, why he gives his time volunteering.
"I like meeting people. That's the best part," said Freeman.
Freeman now joins recent past winners such as Robert Wilkinson, Rona Nikirk, and Sherry Kineshanko as the village's top citizen.
