The Volunteer Citizen of the Year shortlist

St. Albert is known as a city of people who live to give, and every year the Community Information and Volunteer Centre calls out five people for their incredible contributions to the city.

The CIVC has announced the nominees for the Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award. Just like always, the shortlist is a diverse group but one that reminds us all that giving our time to organizations that matter is as important – if not more so – than giving money.

"Our organizations and the services in our community would not happen without the volunteers' gift of time," says Pat Phelan, director of volunteer centre services with the CIVC.

She said the efforts of these five nominees are staggering.

"They give so much and they give it because they want to which is why it's so amazing to be able to work with volunteers."

Jennifer Smid

For the last four years, Smid has been crunching numbers as the St. Albert Creative Preschool's treasurer. To keep its operations going, the non-profit preschool relies on a group of people who, many would argue, have the least amount of free time: the parents of its young attendees.

Smid herself has three children and so knows the struggles of time management.

"I feel busy!" she admitted with a giggle.

On Smid's nomination form, Lori Gagne wrote that Smid is an amazing woman.

"She redefines 'Stay At Home Mom,' " she stated. "It's a miracle she still has time to do laundry. She is an asset to any organization and she is the heart of her family."

She doesn't just keep the books there; she also helps out in class with crafts, supervision and other activities.

She also volunteers at Keenooshayo Elementary where two of her sons go to school, the St. Albert 5th Scouts, as well as with the St. Albert Minor Hockey Association. If all that wasn't enough, she manages her sons' hockey teams.

"The value of volunteering is that programs don't run or don't run to their full potential if volunteers don't step up."

She added that she was shocked and honoured to receive a nomination.

"I know a lot of people who volunteer as much or more than I do."

Margaret Davison

This 83-year-old volunteer is appreciative of being put up for this year's big award, but she doesn't spend much time fantasizing about winning the prize.

"I haven't put it into my mind's thoughts," she admitted. "It's very special because St. Albert has been good to (me and husband Al)."

She has been helping the local Salvation Army church for numerous years and attends several local seniors' residences to help with the care of the seniors, playing the piano there too.

"We have a great sing-along!"

She also plays the piano at the church where she is considered a Senior Soldier.

"She has taken on the role of assisting our programs and campaigns wherever there is a need," reads the nomination form filled out by Pastor Peter Kim. "Many have said she is a godsend."

Davison works on the Salvation Army's annual Christmas Kettle campaign and helps put together the church's Sunshine Bags that are given out at the hospital, the seniors' residences and to the Edmonton Young Offender Centre and the Women's Prison too.

She founded Lunch with the Bunch, a free meal for local seniors and clients with Transitions.

Helen Kieran

"Helen is an excellent example of someone who has contributed to the community by giving of her time and energy," reads Dawn Curran's nomination letter for Kieran.

Kieran was one of the co-founders of the St. Albert and Area Retired Teachers Association, also acting as treasurer and event co-ordinator since the group's inception in 1997.

Since she retired, she has been happily involved with the Arden Theatre, working previously as house manager, now as house crew chief. She also plays an integral role by sitting on the Ardent Volunteer Corps Steering Committee. If that wasn't enough, she has volunteered with the children's festival for the last 15 years, and helps other groups too, including the Friendship Force, the Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Despite Kieran's obvious qualifications, the nomination struck her as something out of the blue.

"I was more than surprised," she admitted.

Vi Oko

When it comes to picking up the slack, there are several organizations around St. Albert and Edmonton that know just how invaluable Vi Oko is.

"She stays up late and/or gets up early to complete all tasks," reads nominator Maureen Maslen's account. "Vi works harder, longer and more efficiently than any other member of most of the organizations and/or activities she's involved in."

Those groups that benefit from this one woman's vast wealth of talents and time include the retired teachers' associations of St. Albert, Edmonton and Alberta, Breakfast for Learning, the St. Albert Botanic Park and the United Church.

In the same nomination, Sir Alexander Mackenzie School's principal John Strembitsky commented that Oko "is the most caring person I have ever met." The form also mentions that Strembitsky puts her in the same league as Mother Teresa.

For Oko's part, she's happy to be so involved in her community.

"I see myself as a facilitator; I get things done," she explained, adding that citizenship has responsibilities. "You can't complain if you don't take an active role."

Clayton Schafers

There's a long laundry list that outlines the breadth of community groups that Clayton Schafers helps out in some way or another.

The quick summary is as follows: St. Albert Community Band, West Sturgeon Aging in Place Foundation, the Catholic parishes in both St. Albert and Villeneuve, the 4-H Club, the Rotary Music Festival, the MS Bike Tour, the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life and Young Life Canada.

There's also Habitat for Humanity, Tour de l'Alberta, the Energy Services Summit, the Canadian Business Leader Awards, the U of A School of Business's alumni association, Clean Up the Sturgeon and the Citadel Care Centre, among others.

One can only speculate why Schafers couldn't be reached for comment. Others, however, remarked on his comprehensiveness and cheerfulness.

In her nomination of this busy individual, Debra Tremblay noted, "He gets the job done. Clayton shows up with a smile on his face and a willingness to go above and beyond what is called for."