Arlene Blundell was recognized at the Port Theatre on April 9 at the City of Nanaimo’s 2015 Culture & Heritage Awards Ceremony. The Culture & Heritage Awards recognize the best of Nanaimo's arts and cultural volunteers and creative talent.
Ms. Blundell was presented with the “Honour in Culture” Award which is awarded to an individual, group, or corporation known for their dedication and support of the cultural fabric of Nanaimo. She received this award for her outstanding work with the Nanaimo Theatre Group and enormous commitment to the breadth and growth of theatre in and around Nanaimo as well as her many community service initiatives such as the Nanaimo Toy Drive, as an active member of the Altrusa Club, and her role in the various Games held in Nanaimo.
Ms. Blundell's contribution to Games includes all Games hosted by the City of Nanaimo. For the 2002 BC Summer Games she was a volunteer in the Cultural and Special Events Directorate and then served as the Director of Ceremonies for both the 2005 BC Disability Games and the 2007 BC Seniors Games. In 2013 she was appointed by Nanaimo City Council to serve as the Director of Ceremonies for the 2014 BC Summer Games, leading a team of volunteers who staged three ceremonies - the Torchlighting Ceremony marking the countdown to the Games, the Opening Ceremony to commence the Games, and the Closing Ceremony on Sunday after competition was complete. Initiatives of her team included working with local artists to write and record a Games song ("Get in the Game") and a flash mob at the Opening Ceremony that included Games participants.
“The BC Games promote the arts and culture by highlighting local performers and artists, as well as ethnic and First Nations communities. Arlene captured those talented individuals and showcased them to the province through the opening and closing ceremonies. It is her passion for the arts which provided the athletes and the community with such stellar events. We are so proud of her for this achievement”, said BC Games Society President and CEO, Kelly Mann.
Ms. Blundell is a committed volunteer who believes volunteering teaches people “what is important in life,” along with vital skills such as organization, interpersonal skills, problem solving, and creativity. She finds it gratifying to be a part of a successful event. “It’s rewarding to give without expecting any return,” said Blundell in an interview leading up to the 2014 BC Summer Games. “It’s a good experience and you can create good connections and friends along the way. Most people have some free or discretionary time," she continued, "and volunteering is a great way to use time. It is good for you as a person and benefits the organization and our community.”
The awards presentation highlighted Ms. Blundell's lifetime of achievement including her contributions to the establishment of the Port Theatre and her significant contributions to Games. The evening including a video interview with Arlene, proudly sporting her volunteer shirt from the 2014 BC Summer Games, recounting her involvement in theatre since moving to Nanaimo, as well as a performance of "Get in the Game" by local singers and dancers, highlighting her work to bridge sport and art, through Games.