By Chad Ingram

Published Sept. 8 2016

Kinmount’s Citizen of the Year for 2016 is an individual who inspires those he comes into contact with and is a mentor for others with intellectual disabilities.

Trevor Brauer was given the annual honour by the Kinmount and District Lions Club during a ceremony at the Kinmount Fair Sept. 2.

Among his many volunteer activities Brauer who’s been a permanent resident of the community since 2005 cooks for various causes most recently frying “canoe paddle” doughnuts at Kinmount Family Fun Day. He’s also volunteered as an assistant cook at the Minden Legion alongside Lee and Malcolm MacLean and is part of the team that manages the beer tent at the Minden Bluegrass Festival.

Brauer volunteers at spring and fall church dinners the local snowmobile poker run and has helped build landscapes for the model railway where he’s also been a greeter. He also assists with the mailing and distribution of the Kinmount Gazette .

Brauer is a founding members of a self-advocate group that mentors others with intellectual disabilities helping them speak up for themselves take part in the decision-making that affects their lives and learn new skills.

“Trevor is an excellent example of what can be accomplished when given opportunities and support” Chris Weerdenburg of the Kinmount Lions said. “Trevor is very independent. Getting his driver’s licence has been a dream come true.”

Brauer beaming at the honour thanked community members for the recognition.