Woo Hoo! Lorrena Bookman!

Several local and area people were honoured during the Canadian Red Cross's annual Volunteer Awards Dinner on October 19.

The theme - Birds of a Feather - was inspired by Algoma University student Yuka Yamada who during the Japan Earthquake Appeal, along with fellow students, raised over $6,000.

Sault & Area District Branch Manager Diane Lajambe tells us that for each donation a paper origami crane was made.

Then a Japanese flag was formed from the cranes and presented to the Canadian Red Cross.

Yuka taught the volunteers at the branch how to make the origami cranes for decorations for the hall. Mayor Debbie Amaroso greeted the volunteers and Diane Girard, president, Ontario Zone Branch Council of the Canadian Red Cross, helped to present the awards. The Order of the Red Cross, the organization's highest award for volunteer service, was presented to Lorrena Bookman (right in photo) from St. Joseph Island. Recipients are recognized for outstanding performance through superior contributions in volunteerism or leadership at the branch, regional, zone or national level for at least 10 years.

Lorrena was the 228th person to receive such an honour. Other awards presented were: Distinguished Service Award

- Bob Grant - Susan Mann Service Award

- Erica Speer Certificates of Merit

- Wayne Brunch - Gary Murphy - Mike Landmark