The Morden Area Foundation (MAF) has announced the winner of Morden's 2022 Citizen of Distinction, Kathy Ritchie.  

Co-nominator and former coworker Jim Hunt shared his reaction to the news. 

"I'm very excited to hear that Kathy did receive the Citizen of Distinction Award. She's very well deserving. I've known Kathy now for probably well over 40 years, and I had the privilege of working with her at the Assessment Branch in Morden with the Provincial Government." 

Co-nominator, Morden's Della Duncan, was also pleased to hear the good news, and explained why this award is so well deserved. 

"Kathy is my best friend. She just works tirelessly at everything she's worked with. She has given her all since I've known her for 50 years. Her love of people and Morden, that's it. Seriously, Kathy would give all she had to whoever she could." 

According to her nomination papers, Ritchie is a former MAF member (2007-2015) and volunteer and mentor (2015-2023). While raising her two children, she was involved in multiple sport leagues including minor hockey, baseball and ringette. She sat on the Ringette Executive and MB Regional Ringette Executive. She was on the Morden Ladies Curling Club Executive and was the Registrar for Manitoba Summer Games hosted in Morden. She was instrumental in developing the Women's Giving Circle, which later transformed into what is now, The Power of the Purse fundraiser. Additionally, Kathy is a long-time volunteer for the Corn and Apple Festival, Morden Library and Thrift Store. 

Duncan added, "That's how she is. She just has given so much to every aspect of events you've ever been into in this whole town, that's what she does."   

Jim reinforced Kathy's level of commitment and effort. "Everything Kathy has taken on, she's taken it on with a leadership role, and gets very involved, as the list of things that she has volunteered with (shows) in her nomination. I'm very happy to hear that." 

In a statement from MAF, regarding her motivation to care so much for the community, Kathy said, “It is a city that has grown and changed, and I am proud to be part of this community. It is a city that has provided many opportunities to be involved in organizations that benefit our families, our friends and our neighbours.  I am grateful for the chances I have had to be involved.  I am also grateful to my family who supported my volunteer endeavours. "