Since 1985 December 5th of each year is marked as International Volunteer Day by the United Nations. In past years to recognize this day and volunteers in our community the Grande Prairie Volunteer Services Bureau (GPVSB) hosted the Annual International Volunteer Day Celebration Breakfast featuring our Volunteer of the Year Awards. Following last year’s successful event, plans were made to partner with the City of Grande Prairie to present the George Repka Outstanding Achievement Award and Bill Bowes Volunteer Organization of the Year Award at this year’s event.

GPVSB is also presenting the Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) Awards sponsored by ATCO. The LOT Awards are usually handed out in April at the annual National Volunteer Week Appreciation Luncheon, however, these were postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions. A video compilation for this year’s awards will be available on the GPVSB Facebook page in the coming days in lieu of an event this year.

With that said we are proud to recognize the following individuals and organizations for their achievements:

2020 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER: 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.”

2020 CORPORATE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER: 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.

2020 OUTSTANDING CITIZENS IN THE COMMUNITY:

• Lori Brough
• Angie Crerar
• Taj Johnson
• Sharon McLean
• Tom Pura
• Karen Rosvold
• Tyla Savard
• Jessica Schoepp

2020 LEADERS OF TOMORROW AWARD WINNERS:

GEORGE REPKA OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER: Fletcher Bootle and Vicki Ross

Fletcher Bootle has been volunteering within the City of Grande Prairie since 1991, when he and his wife Diane moved to Grande Prairie for work. In this time, he has volunteered for numerous organizations and community groups. Some of these groups include:

• United Way Board of Directors
• Community Foundation Board of Directors
• Chair of the Rotary District Conference (2012)
• Special Olympics Games (2015)
• Chair of the International Fellowship Curling Bonspiel (2016)
• President of Grande Prairie Rotary Club (1997/1998)
• Grande Prairie Regional College (GPRC) Board of Governors
• 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 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 WINNER: Stitch Club of Grande Prairie

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 hand made 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.

Congratulations to all 2020 award recipients. The Grande Prairie Volunteer Services Bureau and the City of Grande Prairie would like to thank the following organizations for their support: Leaders of Tomorrow Awards presenting sponsor ACTO; contributing sponsor International Paper; award sponsors County of Grande Prairie FCSS, Town of Beaverlodge FCSS, Town of Sexsmith FCSS and Town of Wembley FCSS. Volunteer of the Year Award sponsor Servus Credit Union; Corporate Volunteer of the Year Award sponsor Prairie Mall; Outstanding Citizens in the Community sponsors Swan City Rotary Club of Grande Prairie and Grande Prairie Lions Club. Additional sponsors Tim Hortons and the Province of Alberta. We would also like to thank our MC Tom Pura for his help, Mayor Bill Given and Reeve Leanne Beaupre for this year’s proclamation. For more on this year’s awards visit www.volunteergp.com and to watch the award presentations on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/gpvsb.