Volunteers of 2010
story and photos by Carl Patzel
They could be that person taking your ticket, directing traffic, delivering that meal, filling a food hamper or just in the background making sure things run in a smooth fashion.
No matter in what they enlist, these volunteers ask for little recognition – whether they’re sharing an hour as a companion, helping heal an injured animal, mentoring a youth, coaching a minor sport or even picking up a paint brush for some community beautification.
“Every day someone in Airdrie is volunteering to make a difference. They volunteer because they believe in the importance of helping their neighbours, supporting causes they believe in and contributing to their community,” says Clay Aragon, City of Airdrie Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) co-ordinator.
Airdrionians had plenty to be proud of in 2009. Volunteer numbers exceeded expectations for several events, including the Airdrie centennial celebration, the Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games and the Airdrie Air Show. “It is so important to recognize volunteers who willingly sacrifice their time and energy, dedicating themselves to vital services in the community,” Aragon says.
That recognition came during the National Volunteer Week celebration and concluded April 21 with the Volunteers of the Year Awards ceremony. Residents were asked to nominate their friends and neighbours who are making a difference in the community by volunteering in some capacity.
Nominations were accepted in four categories: Airdrie Leader of Tomorrow – recognizing youths (aged 11 to 18) who have displayed leadership; Airdrie Ambassador – conferred upon an Airdrie business owner or entity that has contributed in promoting the city; Volunteer Advocate – given to a not-for-profit group which displays leadership and promotes volunteerism; and Soul of Airdrie – recognizing volunteer contributions in the fields of art and culture, athletics, social and community services.
Learn more about the award recipents:
Leader of Tomorrow Award winner Kirsten Dyck
Ambassador Award winner, Pat Cashion of Vitreous Glass Inc.
Airdrie-Calgary Transit
The Bus Stops Here. Transit service between Airdrie and Calgary becomes a reality.
Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation
Caring Community. AIWC's volunteers devote their time, effort to saving wildlife.
The Airdrie Farmer's Market
The Airdrie Farmers Market brings vendors and lovers of fresh home-grown goods together
For the Love of the Game
Chris Simnett comes out swinging, as he promotes the sport of tennis in his community
