Bill Michl, shown here as Lion's Club District Governor in 2015. Supplied photo

A long-time member of the Voyageurs Lion’s Club has been named Citizen of the Year in Fort Frances.

Bill Michl was cited for his continued volunteerism over the years, from the smallest of tasks to marathon runs for various charities.

Michl says it is not something he does for the accolades.

“I appreciate the effort, but I never expect anything like that when I go and help people. I just help because I like doing it, and that makes me feel good,” says Michl.

He says he started becoming active as a way of dealing with personal issues.

“Forcing myself to go and do things, and when you force yourself to do things, you’re actually helping other people. I guess that’s kind of what it’s all about. I just went on from there, and got more involved in different things.”

It included becoming a member of the Lion’s Club, which resulted in him moving up the ranks to become District Governor.
One of his most significant accomplishments came in 2006 when he ran the equivalent of a double marathon from Rainy River to Fort Frances to raise funds for a new CT scanner at LaVerendrye Hospital.

He remarks to this day about the support received.

“So many people stood along the highway and high-fived me. People that phoned me up and said my granddaughter or my daughter or my son really needed a Catscan, and thanks for doing this. It always stuck in my head. I didn’t think I did much, but it sure affected a lot of people.”

Michl also ran around Lake Superior a few years ago to raise money for the Lions Clubs International Foundation.

Earlier this year, he was presented with the Club’s International President’s Award for his contributions to the social organization.