Shining example

Few people in Fort Frances better epitomize volunteering than Dr. Robert Lidkea. His 55 years of service since arriving here in 1952 has spanned many facets but always with one overriding goal in mind: to make life better for our town and its residents.
His choice as “Citizen of the Year” for 2007 was richly deserving—and certainly long overdue.
Dr. Lidkea’s individual efforts and accomplishments are lengthy, from his membership in the Kiwanis Club to being involved with the Christmas Seal campaign. He sat on the committee that commemorated the opening of the Noden Causeway back in 1965 and on the one which organized local celebrations in conjunction with Canada’s centennial in 1967.
He served on town council, represented Fort Frances on various health councils and committees over the years, and remains an active member of his church. As well, he was honoured by the Ontario Association of Optometrists in 2004 with its Millennium Award for Public Service.
Most impressive, however, is Dr. Lidkea’s long-held belief that “volunteering is the tax you pay for living in a good community.” It’s a motto more of us should take to heart.
It can never be stressed enough that volunteers are the backbone of any community. Here in Fort Frances, we’ve been blessed by those who give their time to raise money for our health care facilities, bring in first-rate entertainment to the Townshend Theatre, and stage a myriad of events from the bass tournament, Fun in the Sun, and “chem-free” grad to the home and leisure show.
But it’s also clear we’re suffering from volunteer burn-out. It seems to be the same people stepping forward to spearhead this initiative or that—and it is starting to take a toll. Several service clubs have folded over the years here, and groups like the Muskie Touchdown Club are beginning to suffer from a lack of helping hands.
A great community doesn’t just happen. It takes people like Dr. Lidkea, who is a shining example of the “tax” we all need to pay for the good of our town.