Connie Hagel was presented with a King Charles III Coronation Medal on Saturday for her contributions to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada.
Estevan Police Chief Jamie Blunden, who presented the award, said only 50 of these medals were distributed in recognition of MADD Canada efforts, with just one awarded in Saskatchewan.
“To be eligible for the award, recipients had to make a significant contribution to Canada, a province, a region, or a local community,” said Blunden. “I think she’s done an incredible job here in Saskatchewan for the community of Estevan.”
Hagel has been involved with MADD in various roles. She serves as committee chairperson for volunteers, received MADD Canada’s Volunteer of the Year award in 2020, and was instrumental in developing the "Impaired Driver Caught Here" signs. She also represents Saskatchewan on MADD’s national board.
Blunden said Hagel’s contributions have had a meaningful impact.
“I can honestly say that she certainly meets the criteria for a commitment to the community.”
For Hagel, her work with MADD is personal. While many join the organization after losing a loved one to an impaired driver, her motivation comes from protecting her family.
“I do it so that I can get an impaired driver off the road, so that they don’t get injured or killed,” she said. “With an impaired driver, it’s really important for me.”
MADD raises awareness about impaired driving through initiatives such as police check stops and the Red Ribbon campaign.