Ben Christensen receives Citizen of the Decade accolade

Ben and Janice Christensen have two children and while they were attending school he decided to serve his community and become a part of the education system his children were in. He served as a trustee from 1988 to 1997 and as the chairman from 1994 to 1997.

Merv Grosse, who was director of education during Christensen’s tenure as Chairman, said he had a collaborative style of leadership that was ever present.

“He listened to others, he showed respect for the opinions of everyone even if that opinion was different than his own or that of the Board, and he usually led the board to reach a decision by consensus. During Ben’s tenure the Board operated with a positive culture,” he said.

Christensen became the business campaign chair for the Battlefords Cancer Society and was a board member from 1981 until the office in North Battleford was closed. He was an integral part of organizing door-to-door business campaigns, Terry Fox runs, the Relay for Life and other fundraising efforts. In 1985, he assisted in bringing Stephen Fonyo’s Journey for Lives to the Battlefords. Fonyo is a Canadian runner with an artificial leg who was a nationally renowned fundraiser for cancer research and treatment and a former Officer for the Order of Canada.

Christensen said that in 1980 his mother passed away at a fairly young age from cancer, so he went down to the Cancer Society office and asked if there was anything he could do to help.

Robert Mackay from the Canadian Cancer Society said Christensen’s persistence and drive led to their successful fundraising campaigns.

“His commitment to the Battlefords is on-going and for this and for his friendship, we – past volunteers with the Battlefords unit – Saskatchewan Division – Canadian Cancer Society, are truly thankful,” he said.

George O.Thomas, executive director of the Canadian Cancer Society – Saskatchewan Division, said Christensen’s involvement with Stephen Fonyo’s trip to the Battlefords helped showcase what Saskatchewan is all about.

“Thank you for showing Stephen what Saskatchewan folk are all about – compassionate, considerate and concerned people who know how to support someone who is making a gallant and heroic effort,” he wrote in a letter to Mr. Christensen.

In 1998, Christensen accepted an appointment to serve on the Battlefords District Health Board and served in many capacities. In 2016, he also became part of the Prairie North Health Region’s fundraising campaign for the new Saskatchewan Hospital.

Gillian Churn and Helene Lundquist, who served on the Prairie North Regional Health Region board with Christensen, said he served as a valuable mentor to them when they started in 2009.

“It was an honour to be on the Prairie North Regional Health Board with him and he is a trusted friend not only to us but to his community and fellow citizens. He continues to have their best interest at heart,” they said.

In 2002 Christensen was asked to sit on the Battlefords Union Hospital (BUH) Foundation’s Board of Directors and served in many capacities.

Claudette McGuire, executive director of the BUH Foundation, said that they have always been able to count on Christensen attending their events and helping out wherever he can.

“The quote that ‘actions speak louder than words’ absolutely applies to Ben and his unfailing inclination to help others and he understands the importance of giving back and paying it forward. Everyone Ben encounters is treated with respect, dignity and cheerfulness,” she said.

Christensen has been a member of the Rotary Club of the Battlefords for many years and has served in many capacities including the sourcing of the Rotary Plaza clock at the CUplex and being co-chair of the 2020 Rotary 100 Year Centennial Celebration. In 2011, he was awarded with the Paul Harris Award, one of the highest honours one can achieve with the Rotary Club.

Ben Christensen with a check to the Sask Hospital New Beginnings Campaign. (file photo/battlefordsNOW staff)

Warren Williams from the Rotary Club said that working with Christensen made him a better volunteer, a better Rotarian and above all a better person.

“Ben is a gentleman but make no mistake he is also firm in his beliefs, steadfast in his commitment to our community and honourable to a fault,” he said.

“To be fair, there is one major fault in Ben that we have chosen to overlook. Ben is a fervent Montreal Canadiens fan but it’s a shortcoming we are willing to forgive,” he joked.

Christensen was also the recipient of the Canada’s 150 Community Achievement Award and Medal. It was presented to him by the Battlefords/Lloydminster Member of Parliament, the Honourable Gerry Ritz.

Ritz said that Christensen is a foundational business presence in North Battleford and gives his time freely to many boards and initiatives.

“Anyone who has shopped in his store, or been privy to his community work, knows Ben as a person of integrity with qualities of leadership that have served all citizens of North Battleford and the region, with a sense of purpose and inclusiveness,” he said.

When asked about what drives him to commit so much of his time and energy into helping people in his community, Christensen said, “My rewards are serving my community. North Battleford has always, always been a great place to live. We put in our careers there and raised a family there and there are no regrets. It’s been a great life.”

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Keaton.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow

by Keaton Brown

Ben Christensen receives Citizen of the Decade accolade

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