Grande Prairie is a community largely powered by volunteers, and some of the best have been honoured. On International Volunteer Day Wednesday, the Grande Prairie Volunteer Services Bureau handed out its annual awards.
“The GPVSB is pleased to celebrate the outstanding contributions of all the nominees during the last
year,” says President Kris Podolski. “Without volunteers many agencies and clubs in and around Grande Prairie would not be able to offer the support and positive impact that they do for the community.”
Earning the title of 2018 Volunteer of the Year was Cayla Kushnirak, who was nominated by the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre. On top of mothering six children, Kushnirak volunteers with many of the friendship centre’s programs.
“Cayla is a very dedicated volunteer who always willing to learn and help in new ways. She is a great role model to her children and others for her willingness to always help her community.”
The 2018 Corporate Volunteer of the Year honour went to Revolution Auto Group. In its nomination, Grande Prairie Sport Council noted that the company gives back to the community through volunteer programs, sponsorships, and gifts to charity.
“Between November 2017 and October 2018 the 2018 Alberta Summer Games was the recipient of many Revolution Auto Group staff volunteers that included four employees that played key roles as directors on the local organizing committee. Each director would have contributed a minimum of 500 plus hours in their positions.”
Wednesday morning’s International Volunteer Day Celebration Breakfast also recognized outstanding members of the community who are dedicated to volunteering. They included James Asen, Tracy Allard, Carlos Grisales, Sharon Lejeune, David Olinger, and Lionel Robins.
