Volunteer Citizen of the Year 2006

 

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.