Friday August 15, 2025 | SOOKE, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
A man who sweeps the streets in Sooke has been chosen to receive a Medal of Good Citizenship.
This year’s Medal of Good Citizenship awards were announced on August 5. Ceremonies will be be held in late fall 2025.
The medal was awarded to 18 persons of distinction in 2025, awarded by the Honours and Awards Secretariat, Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat.
Moonfist in Sooke:
In the official profile about Kōshin Moonfist, it says he has been chosen for the medal for leadership and daily acts of service, becoming a symbol of compassion, resilience and unity. For quiet acts of service that have shaped his community.
He has volunteered daily in the Sooke community — at least since 2009 — including sweeping streets, clearing debris and greeting residents spontaneously.
“Kōshin is a true embodiment of what it means to care deeply for community,” said Mayor Tait in a statement of congratulations on August 6, saying that Moonfist has quietly, persistently, and with great humility, taken it upon himself to clean up litter from the streets, sidewalks, and trails of our town.
“What started as a personal journey of healing became an inspiring act of service—one that sparked a ripple effect of kindness, responsibility, and connection. Week after week, Kōshin has walked our roads not for recognition, but because he believes that every small action counts. That every clean path, every safe sidewalk, is a gift to someone else,” said Tait.
A former tech professional and martial arts champion, Moonfist offers free IT support, has taught martial arts to youth, and co-founded the Sooke Moon Community Wellness Society/Sooke Multi-Belief Initiative to promote interfaith harmony and civic engagement.
After dealing with a diagnosis of epilepsy, his focus remained on serving others. He redirected unused surgery fundraiser donations to the Sooke Food Bank. Following his recovery, he resumed his volunteer work with renewed purpose.
As a self-styled ‘people’s ambassador of Sooke’, Moonfist was profiled for this medal as a mentor, a confidant to the mayor, and a symbol of humility and compassion.
“His unwavering dedication and quiet leadership continue to inspire a culture of kindness and community pride,” it was stated by his nominator.
At one point, Moonfist ran for a seat on District of Sooke council but realized his talents and gifts were best applied doing things that most other people could or would not do. He serves as a humble servant in the Sooke community. Everyone knows him, or has seen him out and about.
Moonfist has helped out with various NDP campaigns in recent years.
Other awards:
Moonfist was “named and caped” as Broomfist in 2017 – a lighthearted yet heartfelt tribute from the District of Sooke to honour his tireless work and superhero-like commitment to keeping our community clean and cared for.
In 2021, along with a few dedicated volunteers of the Sooke Moon Community Wellness Society, Kōshin organized weekly “Tidy Sooke on Sunday” cleanups. The Society is rooted in a deep love for Sooke and a belief in community care.
In 2024, Kōshin Moonfist was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal, presented by former MP Randall Garrison for local public service and environmental stewardship.
In summer 2025, he was crowned Sooke’s Spectacular Senior after raising over $8,300 for the Sooke Gathering Place – a proposed intergenerational community and seniors centre that will support connection, belonging, and well being for years to come.
About the Medal of Good Citizenship:
The Medal of Good Citizenship marks 10 years of celebrating community service in BC.
The medal was established in 2015 and is the second-highest honour the province can bestow on its citizens.
Nominations for the Medal of Good Citizenship are accepted year round. Any current or former long-term resident of BC is eligible to be nominated. Youth and posthumous nominations are welcome.
===== RELATED:
King Charles III Coronation Medals awarded in Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke (November 12, 2024)