Helen and Doug Kipp
By Dan Walton
Pioneer Staff
The quality of life in every community is significantly improved by its volunteers, and thats especially true in the valley, where the Invermere Rotary Club has named Doug and Helen Kipp, owners of the Lambert Kipp Pharmacy, as the joint 2014 Citizen of the Year.
Doug has been aiding the communitys growth as a member of the Windermere and District Lions Club for 40 years, and has been with the Lake Windermere Rod and Gun Club for the past 20. Hes also a staunch supporter of the local Legion, which has seen him win many of the clubs 50/50 Meat Draws over the years. And hes a great animal lover, Helen said about her husband.
Helen came to the valley to spend one year here in the late 1960s, but that plan was altered after falling in love with Doug. Since laying down her roots in the valley, Helen has taken part in many community-based organizations. Her free time is often spent assisting programs through the United/Anglican Church and she has spent the past several years aiding the churchs Vacation Bible School. Helen is also a charter member of the Columbia Valley Arts Council, and is very active at Columbia House, where she has been sharing her expertise in teaching by holding a weekly fitness program with the residents.
Invermere is a very generous community, and there generally seems to be a great spirit of volunteering, she said. The greatest joy you get out of volunteering is that you associate with a lot of enthusiastic people. This year marks the 31st anniversary since the Rotary Club has been honouring the Citizen of the Year.
