Dedicated Soup Kitchen Chef Honoured as 2011 Top Citizen in Alberta

Irma “Granny” Gray of Whitecourt selected from province-wide nominations

Photo taken by Ann Harvey, Whitecourt Star

Calgary, AB (May 10, 2011) – Ms. Irma “Granny” Gray of Whitecourt, Alberta is being honoured with the 2011 Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award. Her dedication to a long list of community organizations includes founding a local soup kitchen and operating as its head chef for over four years.

Now in its seventh year, the award is sponsored jointly by Direct Energy and the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association (AWNA). Nominations for the award were solicited from more than 100 Alberta communities. “Ms. Gray’s numerous accolades and letters of support from members of the Whitecourt community made her a clear frontrunner for the Award,” says Tanis Kozak, Direct Energy’s Vice-President and General Manager, Canada. “Her many years of unwavering dedication to her community are a true inspiration.”

Granny Gray dedicates her time to a long list of community organizations in Whitecourt including, the Youth Justice Committee, Lorne’s Blanket, Girl Guides of Canada, her local church, the Whitecourt Legion, various seniors groups, the Boys and Girls Club, the local homeless shelter, the Lac St. Anne or affordable housing foundation, and as one of the founding members and head cook of Tennille’s Hope Kommunity Kitchen.

When Granny Gray heard the news that the possibility of a soup kitchen was opening, she said, “if a soup kitchen opens, as long as I’m alive, you will never have to worry about cooking the soup.” More than four years later, Granny still plans the meals, does the shopping, fundraises to purchase supplies and equipment and personally cooks and serves the food to the many people who count on the meals each week.

Ms. Gray, the mother of seven children, eighteen grandchildren and ten great grandchildren said, “I feel like an old car battery,” when she heard she’d been selected as the 2011 winner. “When I volunteer, I am charged. It keeps me young and I look forward to it; it’s my whole life.”

Close friend and fellow volunteer Bob Walker wrote in his nomination, “Some people were put on this earth to look after people and make the world a better place, Irma is one of those.”

Ms. Gray received a $1,000 cash award from Direct Energy as well as a plaque signifying her achievement. In addition, Direct Energy made a donation of $5,000 to Tennille’s Hope Kommunity Kitchen, a charity chosen by Ms. Gray, in her name.

“What’s great about this award is that we get to recognize people like Irma for their selfless contributions and also give financial support to a cause that’s important to their community,” says AWNA President, Ossie Sheddy.

Four finalists were also selected for outstanding volunteer efforts in their communities and will each receive $1,000 toward their charitable organization of choice:

• Sherrie Mitchell of Ponoka has volunteered with a number of community organizations including the Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury, the Crisis Centre of Red Deer, the Ponoka Rising Sun Clubhouse Society, a facility that assists clients who suffer from mental illness, and a community event that Sherrie founded herself, the Ponoka Community Christmas Dinner. 1995 was the first year for Community Christmas when Sherrie identified a need for individuals who may not have anywhere to go, or may not have the means to celebrate. Sherrie collected donations from local businesses and citizens, advertised and promoted the event, and found volunteers to assist with preparation and serving. 2010 was the 15th anniversary of the dinner that would not have continued without Sherrie’s leadership and enthusiasm.
• Jessica Price of Banff is a student who has been volunteering for as long as she can remember. She is the youngest Board member with The Banff Community Foundation and sits on the Grants Advisory Committee to ensure the many voices of non-profit organizations are heard and represented. Jessica also volunteers with a long list of organizations in Banff and is taking her love of helping others to her career working in the field of social services.
• Yvonne Doroshenko of Athabasca was the driving force behind bringing the licensed practical nurse course to her community so that students didn’t have to travel long distances away from their families to participate. In 1990, at the age of 40, she graduated with 13 others in the first class. She is also a founding member of Quilting for Humanity, which provides quilts to those in need and victims of trauma. Yvonne raises funds for the materials, makes the quilts and helps distribute them. This year, the organization expects to make close to 500 quilts.
• Jennifer Peddlesden of Chestermere has served on numerous community Boards and organizations and helped to start the Chestermere Community Playschool. She was a founding member of the Chestermere Rockyview South East Family School Liaison, and fundraised to bring a social worker to serve five isolated local schools. Jennifer also helped to revitalize a dwindling Fair for the Chestermere Ag Society, became the Coordinator of the Red Ribbon Competition and partnered with Active Community Enhancement (ACE) to develop a “bake-it-don’t-fake-it” competition to encourage additional entries. Closest to Jennifer’s heart is La Leche League Canada (LLLC), a volunteer organization to provide new mothers information, support and education about breastfeeding.

2010 Alberta Volunteer Citizen of the Year Announced

Dedicated Volunteer Emergency Medical Technician Honoured as Top Citizen

Calgary, AB (August 4, 2010) – Tammy Sather of Hughenden, Alberta is being honoured with the 2010 Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award. Her dedication to a long list of community organizations includes voluntarily operating a blood pressure and diabetes screening clinic and using her expertise as a trained Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) to donate her time to medical and rescue calls with the local fire, rescue and ambulance services.

Now in its sixth year, the award is sponsored jointly by Direct Energy and the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association (AWNA). Nominations for the award were solicited from more than 100 Alberta communities. “Tammy Sather’s remarkable commitment to helping others made her an obvious choice for this year’s Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award,” says Tanis Kozak, Direct Energy’s Vice-President and General Manager, Canada. “Tammy’s unwavering dedication to her community is a true inspiration.”

Ms. Sather is deeply involved with the Hughenden Firefighters Association and is responsible for raising much of the funds for keeping the organization alive, including supplies, equipment, and rescue units, since she joined 13 years ago. After taking a fellow volunteer firefighter’s blood pressure to ease a patient’s anxiety at a rescue call, she discovered his blood pressure was abnormally high. She wondered how many others in her community had undetected medical conditions and single-handedly spearheaded the launch and operation of a blood pressure and diabetes screening clinic in her community.

“I feel very honoured to be recognized; but for everything I do, there are so many other people volunteering alongside me, and I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish this without all their hard work,” says Sather. “I’m fortunate that I can also involve my children in so much of my volunteering, allowing me to spend time with them while contributing to my community.”

The mother of three children still finds time to volunteer literally thousands of hours with a long list of other community organizations including organizing and collecting over 150 Operation Christmas Child boxes each year, over nine years’ of service with the Parent Advisory Council including two years as President, President of the Council of Friends of Hughenden Public School, volunteer positions with Hughenden Figure Skating Club, Hughenden Minor Hockey, Hughenden Ag Society, Czar Ambulance and regular volunteering at various fundraising and community events.

Close friend and volunteer with the firefighters association, Brian Cooper, explains, “Tammy has a great passion for what happens in the community and rather than sitting on the sidelines complaining, she gets involved to see if she can help to make things better for others.”

Ms. Sather received a $1,000 cash award from Direct Energy as well as a plaque signifying her achievement. In addition, Direct Energy made a donation of $5,000 to the Hughenden Firefighters Association, a charity chosen by Sather, in her name. The money will be used to buy a portable electric suction unit and a set of rescue struts to give better and safer support of vehicles when they flip on their side.

“What’s great about this award is that we get to recognize people like Tammy for their selfless contributions and also give financial support to a cause that’s important to her,” says AWNA President, George Brown.

Four finalists were also selected for outstanding volunteer efforts in their communities and will each receive $1,000 towards their charitable organization of choice:

• Erin Maston of Athabasca is a mother of three, an athlete and has a special place in her heart for children with special needs. Erin founded the First Athabasca Seasonal Triathlon (FAST) Team in her community to try and encourage children to get moving. Erin never turns a child away and coaches children of all ages including many with special needs such as autism, fetal alcohol syndrome, foster children, those living in poverty or with learning disabilities. Erin does not charge any fees for the program and if children are unable to afford the equipment they need, Erin buys it out of her own pocket or raises money in the community.
• Kirsten Dyck of Airdrie is a grade 12 school student with a passion for helping others. Beyond volunteering for various clubs in her school, including leadership positions with her yearbook club, students for change, graduation committee and students council, Kirsten mentors younger children at the library club, volunteers for the breakfast club and represents her local church at leadership and development forums. She has also spearheaded fundraising events like the wake-a-thon for ALS, wake-a-thon for Sharkwater, 30 Hour Famine, Operation Christmas Child, and a work trip to Pan De Vida, Mexico. Kirsten has designated her Direct Energy grant to the Breakfast Club at the Airdrie Food Bank.
• Wendy Nickolson of Edmonton is a mother, a neighbour and friend with a vision for making her community a better place to live. Wendy was an instrumental force in raising over $40,000 through grassroots efforts, few volunteers and minimal resources for the construction of a playground and green space in her community. In addition to fundraising, Wendy attended countless meetings with designers, planners, and developers, so that her neighbours could have a place to bring their children and enjoy the outdoors. Wendy has designated her funds to the Baturyn Community League to continue the betterment of her community.
• Dorothy Ford of Canmore is out every day of the week volunteering in her community. Dorothy’s efforts span a long list of community organizations including Cubs, Brownies, Forest Wardens, 21 years with the Canmore Hospital Ladies Auxiliary where she held various board positions, member of the Board of the Canmore Food Bank, the Bow Valley Eagle Hockey team, the Banff Television Festival, Canmore Highland Games, Canmore Folk Festival, Canmore Children’s Festival, Canmore Art Speak and Canmore Seniors Centre. During her 18 years with CP Fairmont Laundry, Dorothy arranged for donations of old linens to women’s shelters, the Mustard Seed and others in need. Dorothy has chosen the Canmore Ladies Hospital Auxiliary as the recipient of her grant.

About Direct Energy
Direct Energy is one of North America’s largest energy and energy-related services providers with over six million residential and commercial customer relationships. Direct Energy provides customers with choice and support in managing their energy costs through a portfolio of innovative products and services. A subsidiary of Centrica plc (LSE: CNA), one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies, Direct Energy operates in 46 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia and 10 provinces in Canada.

About the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association
Alberta’s community newspapers reflect the images, thoughts and everyday happenings of the communities they serve. While these communities may vary in size; from tiny, isolated locations to bustling suburban centres, they share one important feature - a strong weekly newspaper. Today there are 118 member newspapers throughout Alberta and the Northwest Territories. They boast a combined circulation of 877,479. The smallest newspaper circulates 443 copies each week; the largest – 127,593. We are part of a Canada-wide network of community newspapers through the Canadian Community Newspapers Association (CCNA). Together with six other provincial associations, we represent nearly 650 newspapers.

2009 Alberta Volunteer Citizen of the Year Announced

Robbie Knight of Consort selected from province-wide nominations

Robbie Knight of Consort, AB (second from left) has dedicated over 55 years to the community's Hospital Auxiliary Society earning her Direct Energy and the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association's 2009 Alberta Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award.

Calgary, AB (July 16, 2009) – Robbie Knight of Consort, Alberta is being honoured with the 2009 Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award for her more than 55 years of dedicated service with the community’s Hospital Auxiliary Society and participation with a number of other community organizations. Now in its fifth year, the award is sponsored jointly by Direct Energy and the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association (AWNA). Nominations for the award were solicited from more than 100 Alberta communities.

As the wife of a doctor in the community, and a former Registered Nurse, Robbie originally joined the Hospital Auxiliary Society out of proximity to the cause. She quickly became a pivotal force in the Society’s fundraising efforts, holding numerous volunteer executive positions including president of the East Central Health Region. Over the years, Robbie and the Auxiliary have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the purchase of critical medical equipment for the hospital.

“"I feel very honoured,” says Ms. Knight. “Seeing a senior very relaxed after I have installed a Bethany phone so that she can remain in her home longer, or watching a hospital staff member with a new piece of equipment, makes volunteering worthwhile."

Robbie has been involved with a long list of other community organizations including 10 years as a vicar’s warden and bookkeeper; 18 years as a Sunday School teacher; a piano player at the hospital and seniors’ lodge; over 20 years promoting and managing donations for the Terry Fox Run; daily supervision of seniors’ walks at the local sportplex in the winter; and initiating the creation of the community’s 10-year running Bethany Lifelines service, among other community engagement initiatives. At 80 years old, Robbie exemplifies the cliché that “retirement is a full-time job.”

“Robbie Knight’s remarkable commitment to helping others made her an obvious choice for this year’sdirectin the community - Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award,” says Doug Brooks, Director, Direct Energy, Alberta. “Robbie’s unwavering dedication to her community is a true inspiration.”

Knight received a $1,000 cash award from Direct Energy and in the true spirit of altruism, has chosen to donate it to the Terry Fox Foundation; as well as a plaque signifying her achievement.  In addition, Direct Energy made a donation of $5,000 to the Consort Hospital Auxiliary Society, also a charity chosen by Knight, in her name. The money will be used to buy a bariatric wheelchair, commode, and renovations to suites.

“What’s great about this award is that we get to recognize people like Robbie for their selfless contributions and also give financial support to a cause that’s important to her,” says AWNA President, George Brown.

Four finalists were also selected for outstanding volunteer efforts in their communities:

• Doris McNaughton of Sundre is involved with several organizations supporting school children and seniors in her community, including the “Nutrition for Learning” program. She continues to drive community initiatives and is currently pursuing the launch of a “Community Friendship Dinners” program.
• Mike Zhouri, a full-time student at the University of Alberta, has organized numerous campaigns and fundraisers for a variety of humanitarian causes. His efforts have earned him recognition from the Provincial Government, receiving the Star of Alberta Award.
• Clare and Lorne Hawkins of Carstairs have volunteered with nearly every non-profit organization in their community and give their time selflessly to helping others. They have a special place in their heart for the Carstairs public library and assisting children with their reading.
• Gerry Hamilton of Leduc volunteers countless hours with the Leduc District Food Bank Association as an in-take coordinator, treasurer and chairman. He also spearheaded a recycling program in partnership with the Edmonton International Airport, where he drives four days each week to pick up items not allowed on carry-on to be redistributed to those in need.

Vic Sadlowski named Volunteer Citizen of the Year 2008

by Dan Brisebois
Bonnyville Nouvelle

Photo: Dan Brisebois, Bonnyville Nouvelle

Rarely has a non-profit organization or event come along that hasn’t had Vic Sadlowski’s name attached to it. Now a retired high school principal, he’s one of the most active members in the community, yet one of the most low key.

His deeds, however, are now receiving attention from across the province after he was announced as this year’s Volunteer Citizen of the Year. The award is sponsored by Direct Energy and AWNA (Alberta Weekly Newspaper Association). With the accolade came a plaque, as well as $1,000.

“We’re really looking for someone who exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism, and our judges chose Mr. Sadlowski,” Lynzey MacRae, Direct Energy’s public relations specialist said.

When asked what receiving the award means to him, Sadlowski shied away from the spotlight. He preferred instead to put the focus on the true beneficiary of the award, the Bonnyville Health Foundation, one of the almost-countless charities he gives so much to. As the Volunteer Citizen of the Year, Sadlowski got to choose a charity to receive a $5,000 donation from Direct Energy. He chose the Foundation.

The mandate of the Bonnyville Health Foundation fundraisers is to plan events to raise funds for the health centre. Over the last 11 years this group has raised over $1 million, which has been used to buy various necessary pieces of equipment.

The hospital’s neo-natal, orthopedic, long-term care and acute care wards have all benefited from the group’s efforts.

 “I think the big thing is the health foundations gets money. It’s neat to be recognized, but I think if it was just a certificate, I wouldn’t have bothered signing the initial form. But the fact it was going to buy a piece of equipment for the hospital was the biggie,” he said.

The $5,000 will be used to purchase a new Colleagues CX IV pump.

“I have no idea what that is,” Sadlowski joked. “But anything I can do to help make the lives of the people working there easier, I’m there. I admire the doctors and the staff there; they’re amazing people.

“I don’t envy them in their jobs. Even if they paid me five times what they make, I wouldn’t do it.”

Lucie Knudsen, the nurse manager at the Bonnyville Health Centre said an IV pump is a basic, but very necessary piece of equipment, and efforts from volunteers in the Bonnyville Health Foundation are paramount.

“An IV pump is needed when we administer medications or intravenous fluids to a patient. It monitors how quickly they’re administered, so for safety it’s important to have. Volunteers like Vic certainly make things easier when it comes to administering patient care here,” she said.  

Sadlowski witnessed first hand the incredible devotion staff at the hospital have, with both his parents and his parents-in-law having received treatment there. It’s that personal connection that gives him more drive, he surmised, and said he probably wouldn’t have been involved to the extent he is without that direct exposure.

“I saw how much pain and suffering they were going through, and I saw how much work the staff did there, and I said if there was something I could do to help, I’d better do it while I had the chance,” he said.

Sadlowski’s community commitment isn’t limited to the health field. His years of service to Bonnyville Victim Services has been a double-edged sword, in that success is measured by how little the group is required to do.

“If there are no accidents and no one gets abused, if we don’t get a call, it’s a good week,” he said. “I don’t think you can enjoy accompanying the RCMP to tell a family they’ve lost a son or a daughter. If I can make life easier for the family, that’s all that matters. Someone once said that joy is doubled, misery is cut in half.”

Sadlowski also sat on the board of directors for the Jr. A Pontiacs for a year, but conceded he just didn’t know enough about the inner workings of a club to stay with it. Aside from enjoying the game, his involvement is now limited to selling 50/50 raffle tickets for Victim Services.

Preparing between 50 and 70 income tax returns a year might not sound like much, if you’re an accountant. But Sadlowski has been volunteering that service to seniors and low-income residents for several years through FCSS. He’s not allowed to accept gratuities in any form for the service and, in fact, does it anonymously.

Admitting it isn’t much fun doing tax returns, he simply quipped, “What I get out of it is knowing that someone who doesn’t make much to begin with isn’t spending $70 to have their taxes done.”

If someone does try to ‘pay’ him, he said it’s usually by baking a cake or cookies. In typical fashion, Sadlowski then gives it to the Parent Child Centre for the kids.

He stays also active with several ‘short-term’ projects, such as helping a local group organize and collect small items to send to Canadians serving in Afghanistan.

He still enjoys helping students learn, so he tutors. But instead of accepting payment, he insists the student or their parents make a donation to a local charity. That’s just the natural thing for Sadlowski to do and Bonnyville is a better place because of it.

2006 Volunteer Citizen of the Year selected
Airdrie teenager helps ensure kids get healthy food

Calgary, AB (June 14, 2006) — An 18-year-old from Airdrie who helps several groups reach into the community has been selected as the recipient of the 2006 Direct in the Community — Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award.

Chelsey Dawes becomes the second-ever recipient of the Award, launched in 2005 by Direct Energy in partnership with the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association (AWNA) to recognize the significant contribution volunteers make in their local community.

Judges chose Chelsey as this year’s winner because of the significant number of hours she devotes to community groups in Airdrie and in Calgary, and the difference that volunteer commitment is making to the groups she supports.

In addition to helping out at the Calgary Drop-in Centre, working with Habitat for Humanity and organizing a large scale head-shaving event to raise money for cancer research, Chelsey spends significant time helping the Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids Society. The Society delivers a number of programs designed to ensure kids in Calgary, in schools and on the street, have access to healthy food. Lisa Frizzell, Director of Communications for Direct Energy, says selection of a winner of the Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award both this year and last has been a challenge because of the high quality of nominations.

“There are so many people making amazing contributions to their community, but Chelsey’s contributions shone through this year, especially given her age. She’s proof that you’re never too young to make a difference.”

As the 2006 Volunteer Citizen of the Year, Chelsey receives a $1,000 cash prize from Direct Energy and a commemorative plaque, while her designated organization, the Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids Society, will receive a $5,000 donation in Chelsey’s name from Direct Energy.

Almost 100 award nominations were received from more than 60 communities in the AWNA coverage region, which Bob Doornenbal, President of the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association, says shows the spirit of volunteerism remains alive and well even in the face of a blistering economy.

“Everyone is extremely busy these days, with lots of demands on their time, so these volunteers are to be applauded for continuing to make time to help out others who may be less fortunate than they are.”

Four finalists were also selected this year, and will receive engraved plaques honouring their volunteer contributions. The finalists were Lena Ayotte from St. Paul, Mable Both of Claresholm, Ron Koots of Eckville and Karie Wilson of Okotoks.

Long-time Brooks area volunteer named Volunteer Citizen of the Year 2005

Edmonton, AB (September 15, 2005) — A woman who has contributed more than 50 years of volunteer service to her community has been selected as the recipient of the first ever direct in the community – Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award.

Blanche Coultis of Brooks was announced as this year’s winner at the Alberta Weekly Newspaper’s Association (AWNA) conference in Edmonton Thursday evening. A longtime resident of Brooks, Blanche served as the original volunteer librarian when the Brooks Library opened in 1949, volunteered with the Brooks Home and School Association for 15 years and in 1967 became one of the original volunteer board members of the Brooks and District Museum and Historical Society. The retired teacher continues to support the Museum as its resident historian.

Tanis Kozak, Vice-President of Operations, Western Region for Direct Energy, who made the announcement, says it was more than just the duration of Blanche’s volunteer contribution that impressed the selection panel; it was the impact her volunteer work has had.

“Blanche has created a photographic library for the museum in Brooks, has catalogued donated items, trains summer students for the museum each year and, on the day we called her to tell he she was a finalist, she was shepherding 300 elementary school students through the museum. She’s a dynamo.”

As the 2005 Volunteer Citizen of the Year, Blanche receives a $1,000 cash prize and her designated organization, the Brooks and District Museum, will receive a $5,000 donation in Blanche’s name. Three other finalists selected this year will receive engraved plaques honouring their volunteer contributions.

Almost 150 nominations were submitted for the direct in the community – Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award, created this year by Direct Energy Marketing Limited in partnership with the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association (AWNA) to recognize the significant contribution volunteers make in their local community.

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Volunteer Citizen of the Year — Profiles

WINNER
Blanche Coultis – Brooks

A longtime resident of Brooks, Blanche Coultis can take pride in having more than 55 years of volunteer experience in that city. She served as the original volunteer librarian when the Brooks Library opened in 1949, volunteered with the Brooks Home and School Association for 15 years, and in 1967 became one of the original volunteer board members of the Brooks and District Museum and Historial Society, a group she continues to support, as resident historian, today.

The retired teacher has created a photographic library for the museum, trains summer students every year and takes 500 grade three children each year through a one-day tour of the museum.

The other three finalists selected in the 2005 Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award program were:

Brianne Bergerud — Edgerton

Though still in high school, Brianne Bergerud has already made her mark as a community volunteer in and around Wainwright. An active member of the Vermilion River 4-H group, Brianne has taken on a number of initiatives with that group, including organizing a youth leadership conference to share knowledge with teens about drug and alcohol abuse and family violence and introduce them to crisis support resources available to them.

She has also produced a film about veterans in the Wainwright area and organized a benefit concert for tsunami relief. She is a recipient of the Quality Youth Award from the Wainwright Chamber of Commerce.

Ron Holder — Wainwright

The residents of the Wainwright Health Centre Continuing Care Unit all know Ron Holder very well, and deeply appreciate his donation of time and interest. Since the 1960s, Ron has made himself available as a hairdresser and barber to the residents of the unit, but his contribution goes way beyond washing and trimming hair.

Ron spends a great deal of time at the unit visiting with the residents, encouraging them to take part in the programs and activities at the unit and taking them outside for some fresh air and sunshine. He has been an active volunteer participant in the unit’s Enhancing Care program which recently saw creation of a dementia special care wing.

Kay Saastad — Valhalla Centre

The list of organizations in the Valhalla Centre area to which Kay Saastad donates time is a long one, and the numerous years of volunteer time donated add up to an impressive record of contribution to the community. Among the organizations to which Kay’s volunteers her time are the Valhalla Community Library, the Valhalla Busy Bees Women’s Institute, the Sons of Norway, the Blooming Valley Hall Association and the Trollhaugen Culture Camp. Each of these organizations has benefited from Kay’s commitment to the vitality of Valhalla Centre.