Tanton’s exceptional volunteerism recognized with B’nai Brith award

The Saskatoon branch of B’nai Brith, a Jewish human rights organization, has named Mike Tanton the winner of the 51st annual “We’re Proud of You Award.”

The award is to be presented at the B’nai Brith Silver Plate dinner Tuesday.

The award dates back to 1971 and is presented to a Saskatoon citizen who’s committed to giving back to their community through volunteering and who goes above and beyond for those around them.

Tanton says when he was told about being the recipient of the award, he was both humbled and thankful.

“It’s a little daunting knowing what people before me have accomplished,” he said.

When it comes to volunteering, Tanton is passionate about working with youth, especially Indigenous youth.

He co-founded the Living Skies Indigenous Basketball League, which is the first of its kind in Saskatchewan — a provincewide league for youth.

It was created through the nonprofit basketball organization One Love Basketball, which is dedicated to help develop and inspire athletes through the game.

During the club basketball season, Tanton said the league runs about five teams through the organization, in which he also takes a leadership role.

The majority of his volunteerism is dedicated to his role as the chef de mission of Team Saskatchewan for the North American Indigenous Center.

Next year, they will be taking more than 500 coaches and athletes to compete in the North American Indigenous Games in Halifax.

Knowing the importance of sports in the lives of youth has been a driving force in his community service.

“It saved me in a lot of different ways,” Tanton said.

Tanton says the impact of amateur sports on youth wouldn’t be as significant without volunteers.

“I think that everybody should be giving back to the things that define and develop who they are,” he said.

David Katzman, the president of the Saskatoon B’nai Brith, says when Saskatoon citizen Greg Bamford nominated Tanton, he was exactly what the organization was looking for — someone who wants to make a difference in the life of others.

“That’s exactly what happened,” Katzman said. “(Bamford) saw what Mike was doing and said, ‘You know, I can do more.’ ”

The inspiration behind the award was the desire to increase volunteer participation, and to share exemplary volunteerism, Katzman says.

The recipient of the award will have a Saskatoon Community Foundation fund in their name; the fund will receive $5,000 from B’nai Brith and the foundation.

Katzman advised people who have not volunteered to take that first step in helping their community.

“I am certain that while they are giving a great deal to others, they are going to be paid back in friendship, and the satisfaction of knowing that they have helped others,” he said.

The Silver Plate Dinner will dedicate the funds raised to local charities such as VIDO, the Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal, and Care and Share Saskatoon — to name a few. Money also will go towards projects and activities within the Jewish community.

Those who want to donate to Tanton’s fund can contact the Saskatoon Community Foundation.