Sixteen workers and one business from the Grande Prairie area have been honoured for their dedication to the community. They were all presented with a Passionate Heart Award on Thursday morning. County Team Lead of Adult, Senior and Community Programs Coree Ladwig says she is proud to have a group of people like this in the area.
“We are fortunate to have such highly dedicated people and agencies serving our communities. The professionals being recognized today are the unsung heroes in our communities and their commitment to their work is truly inspiring.”
This is the 13th year the awards have been handed out. They are given annually by the Family and Community Support Services departments from the county, city, towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, and Wembley and the Village of Hythe. A full list of award winners can be found below.
The Passionate Heart Exceptional Service Award
Cristine Bryan, Dave Barr Community Centre
Barbara London, St Mary’s School
Natascha Okimaw, Grande Prairie Friendship Centre
Valerie Thiessen, Volunteer Services Bureau
Carrie Thomson, PACE
Passionate Heart Exceptional Team Award
Canadian Mental Health Association – Mobile Addictions Outreach Team
Team Members: Sherilee Crawlee, Penny Newhook
Sunrise House Youth Emergency Shelter Team
Team Members: James Buckel, Paula Friesen, Real Gagne, Wyatte George, Kathryn Goertzen, Jodi Morris, Emma Noseworthy.
Chris Henderson Lifetime Service Award
Carla Eckstrom, PACE
Charlene Eckstrom, PACE
Passionate Heart Business Award
Pizza Hut, Franchisee Justin Munroe