Klara Oyler thought she was joining MPP Laurie Scott at the Haliburton County Huskies game March 15 for a ceremonial puck drop – until the politician surprised her with a King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Oyler said she was “surprised and overwhelmed” but, upon refection, “I have been extremely fortunate, after moving to Haliburton upon retirement, in being privileged to be involved in a variety of groups. 50 York Street, Unit 5 Haliburton, Ontario
“I have been part of many projects that have made a huge impact on our community. Meeting so many people, who have been dedicated to their missions and projects, has really pushed me to think outside the box and dig deep to learn new skills, as well as adapting those skills I already had. I feel very lucky being involved in a most positive way in our community. I feel fortunate that I am able to call many of those people who offered me the opportunities, my friends.”
Oyler’s volunteer record includes: The Haliburton Highlands Health Services Foundation (20 years, including six months on campaign cabinet for the Here for You campaign), Ontario Trillium Foundation (10 years to present), Minden Hills Santa Claus parade (10 years), Minden Hills Canada Day committee (10 years), Friends of the Haliburton County Public Library (eight years and counting), Minden Hills Timbersport/Timberfest committee (six years), Minden Hills cultural centre committee and foundation (four years), Minden Hills new library fundraising committee (four years), R.D. Lawrence Place Minden fundraising committee (four years), the Huskies (four years to present), Ontario senior winter games (two years), Haliburton Highlands Sports Hall of Fame (one year to present), Water Ambassadors Canada, Haliburton County (three years), and the vaccination clinics during COVID.
Dale Walker, former head of the HHHSF, nominated Oyler, whom she said, “volunteered for everything that came along, as well as being in the office. But she was involved in so many other things, it only seemed right.”
Scott had five King Charles III Coronation Medals to hand out, with Oyler being the only one in the County for the provincial member.
“There’s nobody more well-deserving. I think Klara has volunteered for more years than people usually work in their lifetime at a job. She selflessly works on so many things. She does have a good time, but the community does not function without volunteers and Klara is the epitome of a volunteer in Haliburton County.”
Other medal winners
In 2006-07, Chuck Krangle completed a combat tour in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Upon his return to Canada, his dad, Wayne Krangle, wanted to find a way to give back. Since 2008, Wayne has been the founder of ‘syrup for soldiers.’ On his property in the Highlands, he taps trees, processes, and sells syrup. He has raised close to $100,000 for Wounded Warriors Canada.
Wayne said the honour came as a surprise. Chuck, who’s just retired as a police officer, told him he was getting the award. They went to Jamie’s Schmale office March 15.
“Gobsmacked,” Wayne said of the surprise. He said he had been phoning some of the people who had helped him make it possible. “It didn’t happen on its own. A lot of people along the way have volunteered their time. This is my 16th year, so I didn’t start yesterday.”
Steve Cooper of Gooderham also received a medal March 19; for a lifetime commitment to cadets.
