Lisa Lehmann says she was surprised and honoured to hear Premier Wab Kinew had selected her for the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Initially a founder and board member of Carman Wellness Connections, Lehman was most recently hired as the group's Coordinator. It is her dedication to making life better for the area's most vulnerable community members through this organization that earned her this recent recognition.
"I know it's a personal recognition, but I really see it as a reflection of the collective efforts of all the members at Carman Wellness Connections," she said. "I'm proud to accept it on behalf of this group of passionate, dedicated individuals who I have been working alongside for four years to try to make life better for our most vulnerable community members."
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"Sometimes it makes a big difference to know that someone else cares."
Carman Wellness Connections is a non-profit organization working to address poverty and promote wellness in Carman and surrounding area through collaboration with other organizations and individuals. Its mission is - Together, creating a community where everyone has the opportunity and supports to flourish where they live, learn, work and play.
"Both professionally and personally, I've come across people who I've seen firsthand just need a hand up. Someone to listen. Someone that cares and would maybe walk alongside them just a bit to connect them with the right resources to get on the right path. Sometimes it makes a big difference to know that someone else cares," replied Lehmann when asked why this work is important to her.
Lehmann was presented the medal at a ceremony among her peers at the Manitoba Legislature last week. She says it was an incredible experience, but also emotional to listen to the stories of her fellow recipients.
"It was really moving to hear about the dedication, selflessness and hardships that other people are going through and living with. It was inspiring to be in the company of so many individuals like that, and people who are committed to making a difference in their community. The entire event felt like a celebration of service, and I was really proud to be a part of it."