King Charles III Coronation Medals handed out in Oxford

30 Oxford County residents were honoured with King Charles III Coronation medals at a recent ceremony in Woodstock. Recipients included, left to right, OPP Const. Randi Crawford, Woodstock Chamber of Commerce GM Mike Crabbe and REMAX Sales Representative Kelly Byers. (Lee Griffi Photo)

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

30 well-deserving Oxford County residents were on the receiving end of the King Charles III Coronation Medals last week.

The medal program was created to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. It recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to a particular province, territory, region, or community in Canada or attained an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to our country.

Those recognized came from all walks of life, including first responders, military veterans, volunteers and business owners. Each recipient had a brief biography read aloud, including Mike Crabbe, the general manager at the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce.

“Michael Crabbe is a dedicated advocate for youth involvement in the arts. He actively supports organizations such as Theatre Woodstock, the United Way, and the Chamber of Commerce. His unwavering dedication to nurturing artistic talent, especially among youth, has profoundly transformed lives and created lasting memories. Michael's commitment to encouraging a love of the arts in Oxford's young people has inspired countless individuals, and the rural arts community is undoubtedly stronger thanks to his contributions.”

“What an absolute honour. Tonight, I was awarded a King's Coronation Medal for my volunteerism and support of the arts. I am so grateful for the recognition. Thank you to whomever nominated me. I am spoiled by this great community we have here in Oxford. Congratulations to my fellow recipients. There is so much amazing work happening around us, every day,” he exclaimed.

Another recipient was Const. Randi Crawford, the Oxford OPP’s Community Safety and Media Relations officer and Woodstock resident. She was chosen for her dedication to making the county a better place to live.

“Police Constable Randi Crawford has dedicated more than a decade to the Ontario Provincial Police, combining front-line service, community engagement, and public safety to foster trust, strengthen connections, and make a lasting, positive impact in Oxford County,” read Crawford’s biography.

She explained receiving the award was humbling and gratifying and was quick to share it with others.

“This means the world to me, I can’t even find the words to describe how grateful I am. It’s a sign I am going in the right direction. My commitment to the community is making people feel safe and special, happy and healthy. I share this award with everybody I represent – my peers, the volunteers, my family and friends who support me so I can go out and do these wonderful things in the community.”

Oxford Member of Parliament Arpan Khanna handed out the medals and coins and explained it was an honour for him to be able to say thank you in such a special way.

“It’s beautiful. Today, we recognized 30 people from Oxford County who have gone above and beyond and sacrificed so much to help neighbours, friends and the community. They’ve done the hard work so we can enjoy our communities.”

Along with the medals, recipients were also given the new Oxford Service Coin. Khanna added recognizing people for doing good deeds doesn’t happen often enough.

“It’s just one day we thank them for their service. We get so busy in our lives and we stop showing gratitude. If you look around us, there are superheroes around us every single day. As a public servant, I hear their stories and we heard 30 amazing stories today. It inspires me to keep going and fight for my constituents.”

Khanna pointed to the amount of division currently happening in the world

“There is a lot of hate and division in our country right now. We’ve brought people together from all over Oxford County. We had different demographics, different walks of life. Everyone’s story is unique and that’s what makes Oxford strong. It’s the people who roll up their sleeves, put the BS aside and get things done for our great community.”

Other recipients included Kelly Byers, well-known for her efforts to battle food insecurity, Sharon Docherty, a driving force behind the Woodstock FC soccer club, and Frank Moore who was recognized for his dedication to honouring veterans through various initiatives, including memorializing fallen soldiers and organizing community engagement.

Also honoured was well-known former radio personality Brad Janssen.

“Brad Janssen has committed his career to promoting community unity and positivity in Oxford County through broadcasting, event planning and fundraising,” read his bio.

The King's Coronation Medal Ceremony, held at the Market Centre Theatre in Woodstock, was attended by over 200 residents of Oxford.