Glitter Gal Gets Diamond

by Barry McDonald

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Dot Brekke poses with her medal along with her daughter Leanne.

For 19 years, Dot Brekke a founding member of Gingerbread and Glitter has brought together a group of volunteers who are committed to delivering an event that brings a magical weekend of ‘Gingerbread and Glitter’ to the community. Over the years, all of the activities during the weekend have been accessible to the entire community free of charge. (although a cash donation, a donation to the food bank or an unwrapped gift for Secret Santa is encouraged). Changes have been made each year, but Dot and crew have always maintained the focus is to be on a volunteer-based and community funded event.

All proceeds from Gingerbread and Glitter are invested directly back into the community. “We have supported many worthwhile causes over the years but have narrowed it down to 3 local charities in recent years, Secret Santa, The Wetaskiwin Health Foundation and the Food Bank.” Gingerbread and Glitter also makes donations to other groups such as Horizons Centre for helping out with the event.

Dot Brekke receives the Diamond Jubilee Medal at Gingerbread and Glitter

Ask Dot a question about any aspect of Gingerbread and Glitter and she will tell you exactly what is happening. When, where and how. Except this year. Dot has always been a person who shies away from attention and recognition so it took a carefully disguised task ‘by the stage’ to get her near enough to be coaxed onto the stage where MP Blaine Caulkins presented her with a national honor,the Diamond Jubilee Medal. MP Caulkins thanked her for her many contributions to the community and for all of her hard work with G&G. Then, he read the words on the citation.

The certificate accompanying the Medal states: Dorothy Brekke. By Command of Her Majesty the Queen, the Diamond Jubilee Medal is presented to you in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty’s accession to the Throne and in recognition of your contributions to Canada. Signed by the Governor General of Canada, David Lloyd Johnston

Mayor Bill Elliott describes the honor best. “Dorothy worked hard on North-Am snow mobile races and when they discontinued, she felt that Wetaskiwin had to have a winter festival. So, 19 years ago she started G&G. She is the best delegator that I have ever worked with and I call her ‘Boss’. In fact, I often think Dorothy should run for mayor because nobody ever says ‘no’ to her. “Mayor Elliott concludes his comments by saying, “There will be a 20th G&G for sure; Dorothy said so”.

To be eligible for this medal, a person must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada. But more importantly, they must have made a significant contribution to a particular province, territory, region or community within Canada, or an achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada. The medal program is administered by The Chancellery of Honours, which is part of the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General.

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