The changes Geoffrey McKay makes in people's lives are said to be priceless.
That's not hard to believe, said Kate Quinn, executive director with CEASE, the Edmonton Centre to End All Sexual Exploitation. She recently sorted through 11 letters nominating McKay for a Man of Honour award. The award was presented to him by the organization on May 1.
It's a character award, given to men who demonstrate compassion and understanding, and develop healthy relationships and positive opportunities in their community, she said.
"So when you have a man who has been nominated by 11 people from his community, how could you say no," she said. "He obviously has touched people in so many ways."
McKay spent 25 years as an RCMP officer and has continued to work as a reservist with the RCMP in St. Albert since his retirement. He has helped a countless number of people turn their lives around and is frequently stopped in public by the many he has helped, his nomination letter stated.
He is also a school resource officer and works to raise awareness on the dangers of illegal drugs, and the consequences of making poor choices. "He is a compassionate man who treats people with dignity and respect," stated Cpl. Laurel Kading in a letter.
Constables Wynn and Bond also honoured
McKay was not the only St. Albert RCMP member honoured by the organization.
A new award, the Honour in Action Award, was presented to Const. David Wynn, posthumously, and Auxiliary Const. Derek Walter Bond. Both men were shot in January at the Apex Casino in St. Albert, while pursuing a suspected car thief.
Wynn is described as having taken great pride in his role as a D.A.R.E. Officer at Keenooshayo Elementary School in St. Albert. He was also a family man.
Bond has thousands of volunteer hours under his belt in several communities, including an administrative role with Citizens on Patrol in the auxiliary program in St. Albert.
The Honour in Action award was created in light of the service the two men gave to their community, said Quinn. It recognizes first responders and all who put their lives at risk for the safety of others.
"A lot of people have referred to them as men who live honourably," she said.
She added that recipients don't have to be involved with the organization. But with so many difficult stories about men hurting children and women out there, the organization wanted to honour the men who serve their community well. About 112 men from all walks of life have received Men of Honour awards since 2006.
"Why not invite the community to bring those men forward so they can be honoured and they can be seen to be the positive role models that boys and girls can look up to," she said. "So they have a beacon of light and see that this is how you are supposed to be."
