MARATHON — The mayor of Marathon was recently honoured with an award.
Mayor Rick Dumas received a Legacy Award – for over 30 years of community service and involvement – at the seventh annual Business Awards Gala on June 8, hosted by the Marathon & District Chamber of Commerce.
The event - which was sponsored by local businesses such as Barrick Hemlo, Nawiinginokiima Forest Management Corporation, and others - drew over 200 attendees from Marathon and throughout the region.
There were multiple awards given out to businesses and owners in-attendance over the course of the gala – but, speaking to Dougall Media, Dumas said he did not expect to hear his own name called.
“I was very pleased and very excited, as well as very surprised that I was recognized for this award,” he said.
“At the end of the day, it’s a recognition of hard work and long hours and commitment to the community.”
He added it was his good friend, Dougall Media’s own Al Cresswell, who introduced him and read out his name before he accepted the award.
Dumas said this award serves as a reminder that there are people working in and for communities like Marathon everyday who also deserve recognition.
“Most of the time, municipal governments always get criticized for whatever decisions they make . . . I encourage people throughout the community, every once and a while, to just say thank you to members of the council, volunteers in the community, various different organizations and agencies.
“They put a lot of time and commitment into the community to make it a better place for all of us,” Dumas said.
As a born-and-raised Marathonian, Dumas said his passion has never dwindled for his community and its people – having raised his children and run multiple businesses in town as well.
He said he doesn’t plan to stop advocating and working for Marathon anytime soon.
“I always say I’m going to get buried up on the hill so, until that day comes, I’ll be committed to my community whether I’m on council or involved in organizations and groups throughout.
“Two more years on this council and then see where we are with the Active Living Centre – I really am passionate about getting that done. And, if all goes well, I’ll hopefully step back from council but, if not, I’ll continue to put my name forward and make sure that I’m involved in any aspect that can bring that new facility to our community,” Dumas said.
