Kim Solonick is the City of Whitehorse 2019 Volunteer of the Year, the city said Friday afternoon.

Solonick was nominated by the Canadian Mental Health Association (Yukon Division) for her volunteer work during the past eight years. The longtime city resident was chosen from a group of 18 nominees.

“Kim has served in a leadership role with CMHA-YT since its founding, but one of her most significant contributions was her first one,” her nomination reads.

“Eight years ago, the Mental Health Association of Yukon (MHAY) formed out of a subcommittee of the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition.”

Solonick was a key contributor to that subcommittee, and put her name forward as one of the inaugural directors of MHAY.

MHAY eventually became the first Yukon Division of the CMHA, “but a key constant amidst that growth has been Kim’s tireless contributions,” her nomination reads.

She has served as secretary, vice-chair, and chair of the board, and has chaired and sat on numerous subcommittees.

She’s organized key fundraising events, founded and facilitated the family support group, and has been an exemplary steward of the CMHA-YT’s values.

“Kim has literally done it all, but most importantly, CMHA-YT wouldn’t even exist without her many contributions,” says her nomination.

“Unfortunately we couldn’t celebrate you in person this year,” Mayor Dan Curtis told Solonick and the other nominees in a statement.

“It’s so important to highlight the countless hours that you selflessly dedicate to your community. Thank you for generously giving back to the organizations that matter so much to you.

“You inspire us to give more and to make a real difference in our city.”

The city has been celebrating its volunteer community since 1987.