Volunteer Citizen of the Year 2009

 

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.