Long-time community volunteer Fred Elder will receive Maple Ridge's first Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal at Tuesday's council meeting.

A new commemorative medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne as Queen of Canada.

Elder is being recognized for his years volunteering in the community, for example, for his help with the Terry Fox Run, and his involvement with numerous organizations, for example, the arts council and the Ridge Meadows Association for Community Living, often working behind the scenes.

As an RCMP officer, he would also help out people on the street often giving them food and clothing, said school board trustee and Elder's friend Kathy Marshall.

"He's one of those caring, genuine [people]," she said.

During the year of celebrations, 60,000 Canadians will be recognized.

"I am privileged to present this medal to Fred Elder," said MP Randy Kamp. "Thirty medals have been allocated for me to present and I look forward to recognizing exemplary Canadians like Fred who have dedicated their time and efforts to bettering the lives of those around them, and making Canada stronger."