Jim Webster Receives 2024 Jack Ratcliffe Commitment to Community Award

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The City of Kimberley is excited to announce that Jim Webster has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Jack Ratcliffe Commitment to Community Award. This prestigious honour celebrates Mr. Webster's extraordinary passion and significant impact on the Kimberley community.

Named after inaugural award recipient, Jack Ratcliffe, the award is presented annually to individuals who selflessly enhance the quality of life for the community and its residents. This year, Jim Webster's contributions stand as a shining example of that commitment.

Jim Webster has long been a driving force in Kimberley, organizing a wide range of events that have fostered connection, fun, and togetherness for generations of Kimberley residents and visitors. His efforts include co-founding the Kimberley North American Orienteering Championships, Round the Mountain, Symphony on the Mountain (three times), Ceilidh on the Mountain, the annual Ugly Sweater 5K food bank fundraiser and the Dusty Downhill, among many others.

Mr. Webster’s dedication to improving his community is evident in the countless hours he has invested into planning and executing these events, many of which have raised funds for charitable causes and supported the local cultural scene. Through his leadership, he has united people from all walks of life, making Kimberley a more vibrant and cohesive place to live.

“Jim is a true community champion who makes things happen, often behind the scenes,” said Shawna Crawford, who nominated Mr. Webster for the award. “He has an incredible ability to connect the right people to the right projects, ensuring everything runs smoothly. His ability to keep plans simple but effective is remarkable. Jim is always volunteering and giving his time, whether it’s setting up tents for JulyFest, supporting the Friends of the Library gallery, assisting at trail running events, or creating photo calendars to raise funds for local causes.”

In 2018, The Trench Magazine (then Go Kimberley, Summer 2018) featured an article on Jim Webster and his commitment to Kimberley. Interviewer Jeff Pew captured Jim’s reasoning for his continued efforts. Jim shared "We only get one shot at this. We can be remembered for a lot of things, so we might as well be remembered for doing good things for people. And, we might as well have some fun."

The Jack Ratcliffe Commitment to Community Award is presented annually to individuals who have made a meaningful and lasting impact on Kimberley through their volunteer efforts. Recipients must be residents of Kimberley who have demonstrated a deep and sustained commitment to the growth, visibility, and well-being of the community.

For more information about this and other City grant programs, please visit www.kimberley.ca.