THUNDER BAY — A pair of Northwestern Ontario community advocates received public recognition on Monday as part of a national effort to honour people who are celebrated for their local contributions.
Carolyn Karle and Bobby Spadoni officially received their King Charles III Coronation Medals at a small ceremony at Thunder Bay-Superior North MP Patty Hajdu’s office. They were unable to attend a previous ceremony held in Thunder Bay earlier in March.
Karle is the founder of the DEK Foundation. Named after Karle’s late daughter Dayna Elizabeth Karle, the organization is a volunteer not-for-profit that “is built on the value of activism by creating change, ending stigma and providing nurturing spaces for people living with addiction,” according to its website. Dayna Karle died from an unintentional drug overdose in 2021, leading Carolyn Karle to establish the foundation.
“It feels wonderfully incredible; I'm so happy, I'm overjoyed,” Karle said. “I'm just so thrilled, absolutely honoured.”
Given that her work revolves around something that is, not only very close to her personally, but also an issue affecting the community at large, Karle said working to help the addictions crisis is important.
“I'm so happy that I'm able to help out in the community with the crisis that we're facing,” she said. “I've felt from the beginning that it's a very tough journey and no one needs to take this journey alone.”
“We need to connect people and start working on ending the social stigma attached to addiction and mental health.”
Spadoni is the co-owner and sales manager at Spadoni Motors, a fifth-generation family business in Terrace Bay. He also has a long history of coaching minor hockey and is the president of Terrace Bay Minor Hockey and the Aguasabon Golf Club.
“Very, very honoured to be included with such special people,” Spadoni said. “No one does these things for recognition, but when you do get it, it sure is nice and (I) couldn't be more honoured or proud to receive such a special, special recognition.”
For Hajdu, presenting the medals was a special occasion.
“I've had so many incredible experiences, but this was truly the most moving moment of my experience as a Member of Parliament so far,” she said.
“To be able to acknowledge the excellence in communities, the leadership, the contributions, the unsung heroes all across our riding and sometimes (in) very small communities making life better for people,” she said.
“It reminded me of something that I deeply hold as a value, which is that we all have a way to contribute, no matter how small our community, no matter who we are.”
The complete list of local winners announced so far can be found here.
