The Children's Miracle Network Telethon has had another record-breaking year and Lynne Simpson is one of the people that can take credit for that success.

Here's what Rob had to say about Lynne on his Neighbourhood Heroes nomination form.

"Since Lynne took over our office fundraising for the Children's Miracle Network, she has increased our contribution from an average of $8000 a year to almost $20,000 a year. This is the third highest contribution in BC for RE/MAX offices and many of those other offices have double and triple the number of Realtors contributing.

"While doing this quietly, without trying to attract extra attention to herself, she also set a record for personal sales, achieving one of the highest level of sales achievement for an individual Realtor. Furthermore, she was selected as Realtor of the Year for 2002 by her peers at our office for honesty, integrity, and dedication to the profession.

"She is tireless as a worker, completely unselfish in helping other Realtors, and perhaps most important all, she is a wonderful person to work with."

Rob concluded by reminding us that over 1400 Nanaimo families use the BC Children's hospital each year and the money Lynne helps to raise goes along way toward buying equipment to help these kids and their families.

When I spoke to Lynne, I quickly realized that Rob was right about her trying to avoid taking credit for this success. She constantly deflected praise for her achievements toward others.

"All I did was put the opportunity in front of them and be in their face a little," she says, "and I instantly got a lot of support."

Two thirds of the office participates through the Miracle Home Program donating a portion of each month's commissions, Lynne told me, and she was also quick to point out that most of the other third had personal commitments to other charities.

"The whole program has kinda mushroomed," she continued, "and now that times have got better for most realtors, we hope to exceed $20,000 next year."

Quinn Daly, a ReMax staffer who is a former fundraiser, has recently offered his assistance and he and Lynne are putting their heads together to come up with some way of getting the public involved in next year's fundraising efforts to add to that total.

How many people do you know that give much more than required at work? I bet they'd appreciate it if you let them know you've noticed their special effort and appreciate it.

As my grandfather would have said, Nanaimo has more volunteers that Carter has pills, all people who deserve special recognition.

However, that said, this column normally leaves that recognition to other sections of the paper but today we're going to break that rule and tip our hat to two volunteers representing the thousands that make such a huge difference in this community.

Eileen Baycroft recently nominated Lil Stevens with the following words, "Lil volunteers for the Canadian Blood Services as a volunteer coordinator. Lil is a cheerful, helpful, knowledgeable and tireless worker who never complains. When she has trouble rounding up people, she steps in and does even more. Lil has a heart of gold and is a friend to all."

Here's another deserving volunteer nominated by Antoinette Spoor & Kathryn Maurer. "Bronwyn Brice has been assisting us with our French Immersion Guided Reading program for the past 5 years. She now volunteers at Quarterway, Pauline Haarer, & Harewood even though her children are no longer in elementary school. Our reading program is much richer due to her contribution."

Congratulations Lil and Bronwyn. Your contribution is very much appreciated.