After last week's Alberta 55 Plus Winter Games drew almost as many volunteers as competitors, any doubts about St. Albert's commitment to volunteerism should be firmly quashed. And coming off such a high point, the local volunteer community is ready to recognize its best.
The St. Albert Community Information & Volunteer Centre is calling on citizens to submit nominations for its annual Volunteer Recognition Awards, a program that started in 1965 when St. Albert was still a town.
Pat Phelan, director of volunteer centre services, said it's obvious how much this city cares about social causes and supporting large community events.
"This community was built on volunteers," she said.
Selfless volunteers can be shy about seeking recognition or even making a nomination. Phelan said the volume of award nominations has been underwhelming to date.
"We don't have as many as we want," she said, noting there are only two weeks until the March 18 nomination deadline.
"We're really hoping that the schools will kick in this year and look within their students for recognizing volunteer contributions."
"There's some amazing work … that goes on in our schools and we'd really like to get that out into the community. This is certainly a vehicle to do that.
"It really does inspire young people to get involved in community and do good work, and it also recognizes those that are doing it. That's a big thrust for us this year."
Nominate a volunteer
There are several categories for nominations, and people can be nominated as individuals or as part of a group.
The Leaders of Tomorrow youth category is broken down into four age ranges (six to 12 years; 13 to 15; 16 to 18; and 19 to 21). There is also a youth group category.
Anyone 22 years and older can be nominated for the Citizen of the Year Award.
The CIVC will also be celebrating National Volunteer Week from April 10 to 16 with a series of events, including its annual volunteer coffee break and volunteer appreciation luncheon on April 13 at the St. Albert Alliance Church.
Winners of each category will be announced at an awards ceremony on Saturday, April 30 at St. Albert Alliance Church Hall at 10 a.m. Tickets are $20 and can be ordered at the CIVC located at 10, 215 Carnegie Dr. in Campbell Business Park.
For more information or to make a nomination, please call 780-459-6666 or email [email protected]. Nomination forms are available online at www.stalbertcivc.com.
