Last week June Letkeman of Plum Coulee received a Recognition Award from the Manitoba Council on Aging.

She was selected for her extraordinary volunteer contributions, and was honoured at the legislature in Winnipeg.

"I was totally blown away actually, I certainly wasn't expecting it," said Letkeman.

"Plum Coulee has been very, very good to me, and I just feel like if I have the time and the resources I can give back and make it a better community, I hope," she added.

Letkeman serves on many committees. She is chair of the Plum Coulee Age Friendly committee, the Plum Fest Committee, and vice-chairperson for the Plum Coulee Elevator Museum.

She is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Plum Coulee Community Foundation, Boundary Trails Health Center Foundation, and many more. She also serves as a board member for South Central Cancer Resource.

"One of the most important boards that I think I've ever been on was the Boundary Trails Foundation board," she said. "It's so rewarding to be on a board like that, where we do so much to help people."

She is described as selfless, positive and encouraging by Dorothy Derksen, Plum Coulee's 2016 Citizen of the Year.

Letkeman attributes her interest in volunteering to her parents. She also believes it helps people become part of their community.

"If you move into a community, if you don't get involved, you don't really get to know your community," she said.

However, Letkeman is discouraged by the lack of young people who volunteer.

"Most of our volunteers, unfortunately, are seniors, which is wonderful. But sooner or later we're going to grow older," she said. "I'm really hoping that some young people will step up to the plate and take our place."

Letkeman said it is easy to begin volunteering, and that there are many ways to contribute. She also recommends becoming part of a committee and learning from others about how to make a difference.