Nominations open for Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award

Direct Energy and the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association (AWNA) invite Rocky View residents to help recognize Alberta’s tremendous volunteer spirit with the eighth annual Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award. Nominations are now being accepted and will close March 16.

According to Volunteer Canada, there are 12.5 million volunteers making a difference in others’ lives across the country. In Alberta alone, one in three people volunteer. The Alberta Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award program is designed to recognize some of the most outstanding work of those individuals whose contributions make their communities a better place to live.

“It is no secret that Albertans take great pride in their remarkable volunteerism, and the volunteers we’ve met and recognized over the years through this program are a true inspiration,” said Tanis Kozak, vice president and general manager of Direct Energy.

“We all know someone whose work makes their community a better place to live, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to recognize some of those amazing contributions.”

The award consists of:

• $1,000 cash prize to the winner;

• $5,000 cash grant to the winner’s organization or cause of choice in their respective community;

• Recognition of the winner’s achievement through a commemorative award, article and photo to be published in AWNA newspapers across Alberta;

• $1,000 cash grant to four semi-finalists’ organization or cause of choice in their respective communities; and

• special recognition of the four semi-finalists.

Last years’ winner, Irma “Granny” Gray of Whitecourt chose Tennille’s Hope Kommunity Kitchen as the beneficiary of a $5,000 donation in her name. Gray is the mother of seven children, 18 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. She was recognized for her work with Tenille’s Hope and a long list of other community organizations.

“We’re looking forward to once again recognizing individuals who work hard to make our communities great places to live,” said AWNA President Ossie Sheddy.

“The selfless actions of past winners like Irma ‘Granny’ Gray often go unrewarded. This program is designed to showcase appreciation for their efforts. I invite AWNA member newspaper publishers and editors and community leaders to nominate their outstanding volunteers. Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award is a great opportunity to recognize invaluable volunteers and to benefit your community.”

In 2006, the winner was a resident of Airdrie. At only 18 years old, Chelsey Dawes was selected because of the significant hours she devoted to community groups in Airdrie and Calgary, and the difference that volunteer commitment makes to the groups she supported. In addition to helping at the Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre, working with Habitat for Humanity, and organizing a large-scale head-shaving event to raise money for cancer research, Chelsey spent significant time helping the Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids Society.

The Society delivers programs designed to ensure kids in Calgary, in schools and on the street, have access to healthy food.

The Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award is open to residents who reside within a community served by an AWNA member newspaper. Applicants can either self-nominate or be nominated by another individual or group.

Nominations should be no longer than 750 words in length and detail the specific contribution the individual or group has made to the local community through improving the quality of life for fellow citizens. The nominations also need to profile the designated organization and how that organization would use the $5,000 donation.

Nominations can be submitted at www.directenergy.com

A selection committee, formed of two representatives from the AWNA and two appointed by Direct Energy, will review award applications and select the finalists and winning individual or group.