On Monday, British Columbia announced fifteen recipients of the Medal of Good Citizenship, including a long time Terrace resident who was recognized for their charity work.
Barry English has lived in Terrace since 1952. His father moved during the war for training and fell in love with the town, deciding to settle his family in the area.
English says that he’s volunteered in Terrace going back to his boy scout years. He’s put up signs for the NDP, served as an executive for the Terrace Art Association, and now focuses on the Northern Animal Rescue Alliance (NARA).
Through the organization, English has fostered many dogs and some cats, and even had a few “failed fosters,” meaning he ended up adopting his foster dogs. These days, English focuses on collecting recyclables for NARA. He even has a recycling bin outside his house for anyone who decides that they want their returnable cans to go to a good cause. According to the profile written up for the medal, English has raised over $79,000 in the last four years for NARA through his recycling work, which he does himself.
However, English says that he doesn’t do it in hopes of recognition: in fact, he says he’s actually a little embarrassed about receiving the medal. English says that he only does this because he wants to do it and has the time and ability to do so.
The Medal of Good Citizenship honours B.C. residents who have “acted in a particularly generous, kind or selfless manner for the common good without expectation of reward.”
Back in 2016, English also received the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.
the Terrace local remains humble about his philanthropic habits and says that he’s sure there are others in town that deserve it more than he does, though he was the only northern resident to receive the recognition.
All of the citizens recognized will receive their medals at in-person ceremonies throughout 2023.
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