2020 Volunteer of the Year Awards

In recognition of International Volunteer Day the Grande Prairie Volunteer Service Bureau and sponsors presented the 2020 Volunteer of the Year Awards.

The GPVSB launched the Volunteer of the Year Award in 2009. The award honours an extraordinary resident of the Grande Prairie region whose volunteer contributions in the most recent twelve month period made a considerable impact within the community. In 2013 we added the Corporate Volunteer of the Year Award to recognize a company or business that, through its staff and policies supporting volunteerism, made an impact on a not-for-profit organization in the last twelve months. Along with the Volunteer of the Year Awards the GPVSB presented the Outstanding Volunteer in the Community awards that recognizes individuals, groups and businesses who have improved quality of life in the community through volunteer work.

This year we also partnered with the City of Grande Prairie to present their annual volunteer awards: the George Repka Outstanding Achievement Award, recognizing individuals who have made a major contribution in the areas of recreation, culture, or social services to the community; and the Bill Bowes Volunteer Organization of the Year Award recognizing volunteer organizations or foundations in Grande Prairie that have provided outstanding contributions to the community through meritorious service, voluntary contributions and exemplary community development having a direct, positive effect on residents of the City of Grande Prairie.

A video compilation for this year’s awards is available at https://youtu.be/ofCobE_1jGY.

The 2020 Winners are:

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Wendy Doucet

Wendy’s contribution across several organizations has made a significant impact in the community but none more so than her efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to local seniors and the elderly. 

 Wendy has been a volunteer with Friends of Grande Spirit for 14 years. When COVID hit Wendy immediately stepped up, translating policy into best practice; implementing public health recommendations into the fabric of everyday life for seniors, staff and visitors.  Temperature checks, social distancing, masks, hygiene practice were her mantra and it saved lives.  As a direct result of her work Grande Spirit Foundation did not experience the rampant spread of the disease that they so easily could have.   

Wendy goes wherever she is needed to help. During Easter and Thanksgiving she organized and delivered 300 meals to independent seniors’ homes in the area. She is working on the Christmas meal and delivery plan as we speak.   Of course, to have the funds to supply these meals there are many events that must take place. Wendy tirelessly helps organize and run these events.

On Grandparents Day Wendy delivered 100’s of cupcakes to seniors, she feels our seniors deserve some pampering and she is always willing to help, driving many miles in her own personal vehicle.

As well as volunteering at Festival of Trees and Salvation Army Kettle program 3 times a week, Wendy has also volunteered for the Grande Prairie Storm, Safe Communities and any organization that may need help at Casinos of Fundraisers.

“Wendy has a huge heart and she shares it with everyone without concern, to lighten the day of so many”.

Congratulations Wendy, you make a difference and we are so proud to have you as our 2020 Volunteer of the Year. 

CORPORATE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Grassroots Realty Group 

Community engagement for the Grassroots Realty Group is built on a company-wide policy that fosters volunteering and encourages their staff to be actively engaged in promoting volunteerism, philanthropy and giving back. 

A young business in Grande Prairie, this branch started in 2017, Grassroots Realty staff are actively involved in community events entrenching their belief that the donation of employee’s skills and talents can be more valuable than a cash donation. They have organized and or participated in Art Shows, BBQ' and fashion shows with all proceeds going to our local community organizations. 

This year Grassroots has stepped up to help local organizations who are struggling as a direct result of the COVID-19 crisis.  Countless hours of volunteering including fundraising has made a significant difference to help organizations stay afloat.

Also part of their corporate business plan is the establishment of the Roots Foundation.  A portion of each of their business transactions are donated to the Foundation and these funds are then used to assist the organizations in the community where each branch is located.  

An annual event for this group is their 12 Days of Christmas.  During this time 12 different agencies will benefit from the work and vision of this outstanding Corporate Citizen.

What makes this so inspirational is that Grass Roots has a younger demographic and that even as a new business, giving back was in the business plan.

Thank you Grassroots Realty Group and congratulations.

GEORGE REPKA OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Fletcher Bootle

• Member of the GPRC Wolves Athletic Advisory Committee

Mr. Bootle’s volunteer list is extensive, as is his knowledge and dedication to each position. He has built an amazing legacy of service in the community.

Vikki Ross

Vikki Ross has been a member of the Board of Directors for the Grande Prairie Residential Society (GPRS) for over 35 years, with her availability to volunteer for GPRS linked to the flexibility of her role as an Occupational Therapist with Alberta Health Services Home Care.

She continues to be an instrumental part in providing professional support for funding applications. As an Occupational Therapist, Ms. Ross is a long-term member of the Society’s screening committee and is a vital part of determining the fit for persons requiring barrier-free accommodations with available units.

As secretary to the Board since 2009, Ms. Ross has provided critical guidance in creating accurate meeting minutes, creating a policy and procedure manual, and supporting Society operations.

BILL BOWES VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR AWARD

Stitch Club of Grande Prairie

The Stitch Club of Grande Prairie was formed in 2001 and is comprised of 30 members. The Stitch Club of Grande Prairie was formed in 2001 and is comprised of 30 members. The group makes items such as hats, blankets, scarves and mittens which are donated to those in need within the Grande Prairie and Area community.

The club donates these hand made materials to organizations in need, including but not limited to AD Society, Cancer Hat Tree, Coats for Kids, Odyssey House, Red Cross, Rotary House and Teen Shelter.

The group donates a tremendous amount of materials each year, in 2018 the group made and donated 3,110 items, followed by 4,170 items in 2019 and 4,547 items in 2020. Each one of these items are handmade and donated by the members of the club. The Stitch club sets out to challenge themselves each year to increase their output and serve more of the community, a challenge that they have risen to year after year thanks to the dedication of their members.

2020 OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERS

Lori Brough Lori Brough is a very dedicated volunteer at the Wapiti Nordic Ski Club. She is the designated accountant, serves on the board as Treasurer and directs the Mountain Bike program and the Race team.  Lori also creates and coordinates events, races and programs for the Club.   She is committed to continuing to share her knowledge and experience by developing programs and events. Lori has a passion for bettering athletes, developing community leadership and inspiring young women in the region to become strong and independent.    Lori believes in supporting leaders and coaches to foster a community of sports and fitness.  A passionate individual and an inspiring volunteer in our region and we are very pleased to recognize Lori as an Outstanding Volunteer for 2020.   Congratulations Lori.

Angie Crerar  Angie Crerar believes in the power of volunteering and she has been a volunteer for over 42 years.  She has served on numerous boards over the years and is on both Metis Local and Metis Region 6 boards at the present.   Angie has volunteered many years for the Grande Prairie Friendship center and the Red Cross.  She is best known for her tireless work for the Metis people of Grande Prairie and the Peace Region to get recognition and inclusion.  Angie had a vision for an Elders Caring Shelter and through many… many volunteer hours, making sure she was a regular visitor to the Mayor’s office and putting our local Member of Parliament on speed dial she made that happen.    In addition Angie has been an instrumental advocate for the rights of the Metis people, due to her and her colleagues resolve and commitment a landmark court decision in 2016 ensured that those rights were embedded in the Canadian Constitution.  Angie continues to work towards the fulfilment of those rights.   Angie feels she got back more than she gave and says she does not do it alone. She thanks all the people who have worked with her on her volunteer journey, and it looks like she has no intention of slowing down.   We thank Angie for her tireless commitment to volunteerism and are very pleased to recognize her as an Outstanding Volunteer for 2020.   Congratulations Angie.

Taj Johnson  Taj Johnson is well known in the community as a young entrepreneur. He is also a dedicated volunteer who can be counted on to help out whenever and wherever he is needed.    Taj is a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters, he helps out with the GP Men’s Basketball Association and the Caribbean Association of Grande Prairie.  He is also an active Rotarian.     He believes in community: Taj feels we have all utilized some volunteer organization in our lives so it is important to give back.  A belief he holds so dearly Taj was instrumental in forming the Roots Foundation an adjunct of his business that provides funding to charities and non-profits in the community.    An inspiration to us all we are so pleased to recognize Taj as an Outstanding Volunteer for 2020.   Congratulations Taj.

Sharon McLean Sharon has a long history of volunteer involvement starting as a teenager volunteering as a Candy Striper at her local hospital primarily on the Pediatric unit.  She states that this experience prepared her for motherhood, as she didn’t have any younger siblings.   Funny, smart and dedicated Sharon has held many different volunteer roles; one of her favorites was ‘Tawny Owl’ when she was a Brownie Leader.  As a parent volunteer she was often engaged with activities her kids were involved in and incorporated volunteering as simply a part of everyday life.    In the past ten years her volunteering has been focused with the Northern Lights Restorative Justice Committee and she considers this one of the most rewarding periods of her life. In 2019, through the vision and leadership of our Committee Chair, Patricia Cooke, the Northern Lights Restorative Justice Association was formed and Sharon took on the role of Board President for the Association happy to work alongside a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors, building a foundation for a Restorative Justice Program within our region.   Sharon believes that volunteers are the heart and soul of our organizations and our communities. A statement we heartily endorse.       We are very pleased to recognize Sharon as an Outstanding Volunteer for 2020.   Congratulations Sharon.

Tom Pura Tom is indispensable as a volunteer for us here at GPVSB as well as most event planners in Grande Prairie and area. Tom is the ‘go to guy’ if you need an Emcee, and no matter what happens he is never fazed and everything goes off smoothly.   Tom is a passionate advocate for mental health and for several years he has volunteered as a facilitator with the Resource Center for Suicide Prevention men’s group ‘Men at Risk’.    A firm believer in giving back to the community he has been a volunteer coach, helped with Festival of Trees, assisted with reading programs in schools across the community and with the Museum History contest for children.   Tom continues to participate in numerous events in the city and surrounding area. We were told that “No” does not seems to be in Tom vocabulary when it comes to volunteering.   Tom is one of those people who just does what’s needed and doesn’t expect anything in return and we think he is “Outstanding”.   We are very pleased to recognize Tom as and Outstanding Volunteer for 2020.   Congratulations Tom.

Karen Rosvold Karen Rosvold is an active community volunteer committed to creating safer, stronger and more resilient communities within the County of Grande Prairie.    Karen is the board chair for FCSSAA (Family and Community Social Services Association of Alberta), and on the board for SPPARC (South Peace Physicians Attraction and Retention Committee.  She also is a pro-advocate for a wide variety of non-profit and charitable organizations.   Karen is a Counsellor for the County of Grande Prairie, however, outside of her duties for the County Karen is an active volunteer in her home community of La Glace, helping out and volunteering with the Viking Cultural Centre, La Glace Ag Society, and the La Glace Curling Club.  She is the caretaker for Northfield Cemetery, and volunteers at the Calvary Lutheran Church.  Karen is happy to give her time anywhere her community needs her.   We are so very pleased to present her with an Outstanding Volunteer award for 2020.   Congratulations Karen.

Tyla Savard Tyla Savard started volunteering to make a difference and she has.  Actively involved in a number of organizations Tyla is best known for her advocacy and promotion of Mental Health and Addictions Services.    Currently she is the Acting President of the Grande Prairie Rotary Club and the Chair of the Rotary District Membership Committee.   She is a Board Member of the John Howard Society and PARDS where she is the acting Vice-Chair.  She sits on the Community Opioid Response Task Force Committee and the AHS Addiction and Mental Health Provincial Advisory Council and volunteers with Moms Stop the Harm and Peace County Drug Awareness.    As well she is a Member of the Integrated Coordinated Access Team working to establish a coordinated system that will link together hundreds of independent programs, organizations and services in Grande Prairie and surrounding areas.   We are very pleased to recognize Tyla as an Outstanding Volunteer for 2020.   Congratulations Tyla.

Jessica Schoepp We would like to thank Jessica Schoepp for her tireless contribution to volunteerism in Grande Prairie.  A mother to 6 children and running a business with her husband Jessica still finds time to volunteer.   Jessica is currently the President for the Woman in Business Board of Directors, she is interim treasurer for the Grande Prairie Pride Association and a Director with the Board of the Gay and Lesbian Association of the Peace.   She also volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters and in the summer can be found volunteering at the Bear Creek Music Festival.    Through her business she is engaged in sponsoring several non-profit and charitable groups in and around Grande Prairie.   We are so very pleased to recognize Jessica as an Outstanding Volunteer for 2020.   Congratulations Jessica.

Outstanding Volunteer Awards presented by Phil Linfield, Grande Prairie Volunteer Service Bureau Board President

Thanks to this year's sponsors:

Corporate Volunteer of the Year Award Sponsor

Volunteer of the Year Award Sponsor

Outstanding Citizens in the Community Sponsors

Additional Sponsors

Past Volunteer of the Year Awards Recipients: