Vernon Good Citizen of the Year 2024: Diane Fleming

At Kidston Helm Ross Lawyers, we are proud to support Vernon’s Good Citizen of the Year Award, recognizing individuals who make a lasting impact on the community. This year, we join JCI Vernon in celebrating Diane Fleming, the 2024 Good Citizen of the Year, for her incredible dedication to food security in the North Okanagan.

A Champion for Healthy, Affordable Food in and around Vernon, BC

For over 25 years, Diane has been the driving force behind The Good Food Box, a cooperative program that distributes fresh, locally grown food to more than 1,000 families in Vernon and the surrounding areas. The program makes nutritious, high-quality produce affordable and accessible to those in need, helping both families and seniors maintain a healthy diet on a budget.

Diane’s commitment to food security goes beyond The Good Food Box. She has spent years teaching community kitchen classes, sharing her knowledge of budget-friendly, healthy cooking with families throughout Vernon. Her work ensures that people not only have access to fresh food but also the skills to make the most of it.

Recognizing Dedication to Our North Okanagan Community

Diane was nominated by Caroline Meijer, coordinator of the Pregnancy Outreach Program at the North Okanagan Friendship Centre, who highlighted her tireless efforts to support families and seniors.

As part of the award, Kidston Helm Ross Lawyers is honored to make a $500 donation to a charity of Diane’s choice in recognition of her outstanding service to the community.

Celebrating Diane at the Vernon Winter Carnival

Diane’s contributions will also be celebrated at the Vernon Winter Carnival Parade on February 3, where she will ride alongside members of JCI Vernon in a vehicle provided by Watkin Motors Ford.

Her dedication to helping others reflects the values of service, integrity, and leadership that make Vernon such a strong and supportive community.

Congratulations, Diane!

We are grateful for Diane’s tireless work in making healthy food more accessible for families and seniors in Vernon. Her recognition as Good Citizen of the Year is well deserved, and we are proud to support an award that highlights community leaders like her.