Even those who don’t know Kenny Podmore probably know Kenny Podmore.
He’s the man at the start of each parade in Sidney and several beyond, decked in the garb of the official town crier. It’s among the many roles the Podmore goes above and beyond in to improve the community – and country – he loves.
“I’ll always say I’m grateful Canada has welcomed me to the country and this is my way of paying back. I’m so grateful to be living in this beautiful country,” he said.
Podmore came to Canada from the U.K. as a retired transportation department head for a social services agency who also spent time as a military police officer. He and his wife Anita moved to Sidney and fell in love with the community. Podmore became a landed immigrant in 1999 and a Canadian citizen in 2002.
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He’s a man of many coats, including town crier, Santa, master of ceremonies and marriage officiant.
An active Rotarian, Podmore regularly volunteers with organizations such as the B.C. Aviation Museum, Peninsula Celebrations and youth groups.
Podmore is winner of the Community Volunteer Award in the Peninsula News Review’s inaugural Local Hero Awards, designed to highlight the powerful stories that make the Saanich Peninsula strong.
“I am very confident in nominating Kenny Podmore as a tremendous role model for altruism at its finest and the best in community leadership skills,” said nominator Rhonda Todrick, who has known him since 2012 when he offered to act as master of ceremonies for a fundraiser.
“Since that time, we have been involved with many fundraisers but what struck me about Kenny was his overwhelming commitment to community – he never says no,” Todrick said. “If ever there was a devoted and committed volunteer it would be Kenny. His desire to give back to the town that welcomed him is truly inspirational, but it doesn’t stop at Sidney. He raised funds for the (2013) Lac-Megantic disaster in Quebec, he supported and assisted in securing citizenship for John at Carlton House and so much more. He never brags about his giving spirit, but just tackles each request to the best of his ability.”
Podmore gets around and it’s intentional. He’s long been involved organizing Canada Day, Christmas and Remembrance Day events, but the recent work to help fellow U.K. veteran John Hillman of Oak Bay achieve Canadian citizenship stands out for him.
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“Any charity family that needs me, I get down and go,” he said. “I just love helping others. I think that’s it in a nutshell. There’s lots of bad stuff in the world, but there’s also a lot of good stuff and it’s all about helping each other through the good times and through the bad.”
He routinely volunteers with youth organizations 220 Admiral Budge sea cadets and the 676 Kittyhawk air cadets, where this year he served as reviewing officer.
A believer that “smiles are infectious,” Podmore encourages others find their strengths, offer that time to others and “just love each other,” he said.
“I get up each day and if I can make one person laugh, I’ve achieved my goal.”
