Albertans receive volunteer, centennial recognition on International Volunteer Day

Edmonton... Forty-five Albertans were recognized by the Alberta government for their outstanding contributions to their communities. The awards presentation took place in Edmonton on December 5, coinciding with International Volunteer Day.

Six of the individuals received the annual Stars of the Millennium Volunteer Award. In addition to receiving this award, Kristine Walls (Red Deer), Riley Georgsen (Hanna), Martha Parker (Calgary), Jerrold Lemko (Vegreville), Ella Mortemore (Beaumont) and M. Salim Sindhu (Calgary) were inducted into Alberta’s Volunteer Wall of Fame, located in the Legislature Pedway Mall in Edmonton.

Two individuals, Douglas Goss, Q. C. (Edmonton) and Dr. Robert Westbury (Edmonton) were presented with awards of distinction as special volunteers. An additional 37 Albertans received Alberta Centennial Medals, as recognition of their outstanding volunteer contributions to the province.

"Throughout our 100-year history, Alberta’s volunteers have dedicated their time and their talents to make our province a better place for everyone" said Community Development Minister Gary Mar. "The accomplishments of these individuals are incredible examples of what volunteerism can contribute, and I thank them all for their commitment to others"

An initiative of the Wild Rose Foundation and Alberta Community Development, the Volunteer Wall of Fame is a tribute to volunteers. It includes the portraits of Albertans honoured by the Foundation’s Stars of the Millennium Volunteer Awards Program, which was introduced in 2000. Twenty-five Albertans have already been awarded this honour. More portraits are added each year as the awards are presented.

The wall is a permanent fixture in the Legislature pedway. It was founded with a private donation from Saroj and Prem Singhmar of Sherwood Park and with funding from the Wild Rose Foundation and Alberta Community Development.

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NOTE TO MEDIA: See attached backgrounder for information on award recipients. More information on the Stars of the Millennium Volunteer Awards Program is available on-line at www.cd.gov.ab.ca/wrf.

Contact Information

Chelsey Hoople

Communications

Alberta Community Development

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