The head of the Warm Belly Kitchen was presented with a prestigious honour during yesterday’s lunch at the Kapuskasing Indian Friendship Centre. Amanda Rickard (Ree-card) was given the King Charles the III Coronation Medal for those Canadians who make a significant contribution to the country or province. Rickard says she shares the award with the volunteers who have helped to make the kitchen a success and still growing.
“The last two and a half years have been an amazing amazing adventure,” she said. “I’m just so proud of this community. I’m not from Kap so to me it makes it more special because this is my home now. I feel like I’ve made a permanent change.”
Rickard says it’s very humbling to be bestowed with the medal.
“Just excited to be part of this,” she said. “This is something that not only I achieved but our entire community. We have set an amazing example for other communities that if you work together you can do great things.”
The Coronation Medal was presented by Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carole Hughes who noted that she will be handing out 20 in her riding alone. Mushkegowuk-James Bay MPP Guy Bougrouin will give out five more.
