The Morden Area Foundation is honouring local volunteer and businessman Dave DeStoop with its Citizen of Distinction award for 2020.

The award recognizes citizens who have made a strong commitment to making the City of Morden and area a better place to live through their long-term service and excellence in leadership.

"I felt a little shock and awe," says DeStoop when asked about his reaction to the announcement. "I didn't really think I deserved the award, but I'm grateful to the citizens of Morden and area for honouring me with it."

DeStoop is the owner of Morklers, an office supply and electronics store in Morden and runs a sound system and equipment service called Total Sound. He volunteers his time, equipment and expertise in

Dave DeStoop providing public sound and lighting services for a variety of community events and for several non-profit organizations in the city and surrounding area.

Some of those annual events include the Canada Day Beach Blast on July 1st, local Remembrance Day services and South Central Cancer Resource fashion shows. He has also volunteered those same services for special events like the Hockey Canada Esso Cup and the Hockey Canada National Women's U-18's.

DeStoop is also well known for providing tech support to organizations like the local chamber of commerce and the Morden Legion Branch #11 and to the city's seniors community when they need some assistance with their computers and other tech devices.

"It's good to give back to the community," says DeStoop. "It's all about helping our fellow citizens. If we don't help each other then we're not going to make it through the tough times and right now we're in some pretty tough times. Helping each other as much as possible is only going to help make things better."

Recipients of the annual award receive a $1,000 grant from MAF to the charity of their choice.

DeStoop has selected the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #11 located on North Railway Street in Morden.