Many local events and initiatives are driven by volunteers, and that's why the Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce makes it their mission to thank a group of individuals each year. 

On Thursday the Heritage Inn in Moose Jaw filled up with over 100 people, who wanted to congratulate residents from our city who are making a big difference and working hard to make Moose Jaw a community with lots to offer local residents and visitors. 

The annual Group and Citizen of the Year awards saw 15 Wing Fellowship, Born 2 Dance, Dance Fitness by Kyra, Moose Jaw and District Sports Hall of Fame, Moose Jaw Families for Change, and Sets 4 Supper in the running for Group of the Year, as well as Cory Olafson, Joe Gunnis, Lloyd & Lynann Pethick listed in Citizen of the Year category. 

As the event progressed it was announced that 15 Wing Fellowship and Cory Olafson would take the honours - something that both parties were pleased to be called up to the stage for. 

"We're very stoked, there was some wonderful nominees in this and the fact that we were voted in or it was that it was decided as us, we're very keyed up about it," explained Aaron Ruston on behalf of the 15 Wing Fellowship. "It's very exciting... for one it's exciting for me because I get to work with such an amazing group of people. They're just the sweetest people ever. It means a lot because this whole organization is about tying the base together with community and seeing it being recognized. It just shows me again that all working together we're making a difference."

The group began their efforts back in 2010 and in five years collected over $200,000 that has been donated to various initiatives and services locally. 

Olafson who was quite humbled by the award said the reason he's involved in so many groups and organizations like the Business Men's Club, Moose Jaw Kids Sport, and the Kinsmen Club is because he doesn't know how to say 'no', and because two important people in his life taught him that if you want to see a better life you have to be willing to put in the work to make it better.

"My mom and dad, I guess I turned out the way that I am because of the way they raised me. They taught me as a young child not to sit around and watch other people do the work, get in there and make it happen."

Olafson has been a member of the Kinsmen Club for 25 years, and plays an integral role in events they host such as the Santa Claus Parade, Chase the Ace, Hockey Draft and Sports Dinner. He is also very well known in the local baseball community as he's played, coached, and has been a part of the board for the Moose Jaw Miller Express for 30 years.