Raylene Oram has been named the RDEK Electoral Area F 2026 Volunteer of the Year

RDEK Electoral Area F Volunteer of the Year Raylene Oram, right, receives congratulations from Area F Director Susan Clovechok after being recognized for decades of volunteer service in the Columbia Valley.

Submitted photo

Raylene Oram has been recognized as the Regional District of East Kootenay Electoral Area F Volunteer of the Year for 2026.

Oram was honoured at the Area F Information Meeting in Windermere after decades of volunteer work across the Columbia Valley.

“Raylene is the embodiment of community service. For decades, she has dedicated an extraordinary amount of time, energy and heart to organizations that support people of all ages and all walks of life throughout the Columbia Valley,” said Electoral Area F Director Susan Clovechok.  

Oram oversees volunteers for hamper distribution with the Columbia Valley Food Bank, helping families and individuals receive support with dignity and care. She also volunteers weekly at the Invermere Health Care Auxiliary Thrift Shop and has served in several leadership roles with the Lake Windermere District Lions Club.  

Her community work also includes a long-standing role with the Columbia Valley Rockies. Oram has been involved with the team since 2006, beginning with game-day support before taking on leadership work as secretary and treasurer. Her contributions have included budgeting, financial oversight, fundraising events, the golf tournament and Bull Riding in the Rockies.  

In recent seasons, she has also served as a billet mom, opening her home to players and supporting them as a mentor and caregiver while they are away from home.

Oram continues to serve as treasurer for Lakeview Manor Society, contributes to her local community board and helps with other community events and fundraisers, including bonspiels and the Christmas Bureau.

“What stands out most about Raylene is not only the number of hours she gives, but the way she gives them, with strong leadership and with a remarkable ability to keep things moving forward,” said Clovechok. “She is dependable, thoughtful and never afraid to take on the hard work that comes with volunteering and leadership.”