Community’s 3 Stars are …
Okanagan Edge Staff - Feb 06, 2020 - Get Involved

Photo: Cindy Rogers/Nyasa Photography
(L to R): Ryan Watters, Fountain Tire Kelowna’s Tyson Irmen; Jordan Wirtz, Melanie Crowston, Wayne Oye; Fountain Tire West Kelowna’s George Floratos and Rocky Racoon.

A local trio was honoured at last Friday’s Kelowna Rockets game for going above and beyond in the community.

Jordan Wirtz, Melanie Crowston and Wayne Oye were recognized as part of Fountain Tire’s 3 Stars program, which is a partnership between the Western and Ontario hockey leagues that highlights “everyday Canadians” for their volunteerism, humanitarianism and generosity.

“We asked Canadians to help us find people whose actions—big or small—make a difference, and the result was an inspiring list of individuals who help our cities thrive,” Fountain Tire brand director Denise Gohl-Eacrett said in a press release. “It is particularly meaningful for Fountain Tire’s local store owners to be able to give the unsung heroes in their own communities the recognition they deserve.”

Wirtz, a secondary school teacher whose extra-curricular commitment goes above and beyond, coaches hockey, basketball, volleyball and football. He also organizes school-related events and provides audio and visual support at school performances. Wirtz’s nomination stated: “He’s one of those teachers you remember for a lifetime.”

Oye has been a dedicated ringette coach for more than 13 years. When not at his day job, Oye is on the road or at the rink with his under-19 and 2020 BC Winter Games teams. Last year, he was awarded as coach of the year by both the Okanagan and British Columbia ringette governing bodies.

Crowston, a social worker, ski ambassador and trainer with the Canadian Ski Patrol Ogopogo Zone (Okanagan region), was recognized for both her day job—ensuring the well-being of vulnerable youth—and her volunteer role in developing young athletes into strong and confident ski patrollers.


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