April 15-21 is volunteer week, and Sylvan Lake celebrated with the annual very well attended Volunteer Gala.
The annual gala had it all, dinner entertainment and awards. Amy Boutin, volunteer centre coordinator, said the event went very well and was greatly enjoyed my all in attendance.
“The evening, I feel, went great,” Boutin said in an email. “Bobbie Kilroe [Cher impersonator] even got a standing ovation. Many comments were to bring her back again!”
The event was to honour all those who give their time to the community through various groups and events and volunteer opportunities.
The gala handed out five awards to volunteers who again and again come out to help and lend a hand where needed.
“Volunteers are such an important part of our community, they give freely of their time, knowledge and skills in order to make a difference in our community, in the lives of people they know and in the things they care about,” said Boutin.
The winners from the Volunteer Gala were:
· Distinguished Volunteer (Mayor’s Award)- Donna Hughes
· Community Champion- Kay Johanson
· Healthy Communities Initiative Cup- Sylvan Lake & District Lions Club
· Volunteer of the Year(Council Award)- Wayne Collins
· Community Mentorship Award- Carol Foy (Laura Lauder accepted her award on her behalf)
Boutin says that Sylvan Lake has a variety of volunteers that range in age and in area of volunteer-ship.
The volunteers in Sylvan Lake are committed to creating a better quality of life for every resident of Town, according to Boutin.
“Volunteers are involved in almost every part of the community including health, education, social services, recreation and the environment.”
Boutin says she looks forward to planning the Gala each year with the help of the gala committee.
One aspect that she enjoys each year is seeing everyone in attendance have a great time and smiling.
“We have astonishing volunteers in our community, that deserve a night to be recognized for their contributions in Sylvan Lake,” said Boutin. “I’m so grateful I get to work with such wonderful people.”
On social media the Town of Sylvan Lake, along with Mayor and Council, also recognized the volunteers who work on Town committees.
Mayor Sean McIntyre officially proclaimed the week of April 15-21 as volunteer week at the March 26 meeting of Council.
“…Volunteers in Sylvan Lake mentor our children and youth; feed our hungry; comfort our lonely, assist to beautify our community; and fundraise for our charitable organizations,” the proclamation reads.
megan.roth@sylvanlakenews.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
