John Neudorf of NTL Pipelines is presented with the Passionate Heart Business Award at the 2020 Luncheon on Friday, February 14 (From L-R: City of Grande Prairie Councillor Jackie Clayton, Jared Holmquist with NTL Pipelines, NTL Pipelines President/Owner John Neudorf, County of Grande Prairie Councillor Karen Rosvold. Photo: EverythingGP Staff)

By Shane Clausing

Passionate Heart Awards

Nominations open for 2021 Passionate Heart Awards

Dec 19, 2020 | 5:00 AM

Nominations for the 2021 Passionate Heart Awards are officially open.

The award nominations are open for people and organizations in the Grande Prairie area who contribute significantly to their community, enhance social services in the region and are dedicated to improving quality of life.

“The Passionate Heart Awards are an opportunity for us to honour and recognize our frontline workers for the work they’re doing in our community,” said Dale Bond with the County of Grande Prairie.

There are four award categories for people to enter:

• Exceptional Service for front-line staff with two more years of experience in the following professions:

• Policing Services
• Child and Family Services
• Youth Services
• Social Services
• Education

• Exceptional Team for non-profit social agencies or social services teams.

• Business Award for businesses that provide outstanding support to the community.

• Chris Henderson Lifetime Service Award for individuals with 10+ years of social service in the community.

After what has been a challenging year for many, Bond is hoping that as many people as possible can get nominated for an award and be recognized, especially this year because of the pandemic.

“We’re hoping that people really take the time to think about those in their lives that are out there every day on the front line and recognize and honour them. We’re looking for people who go above and beyond their typical workday.”

In a regular year, the Passionate Heart Awards would have an in-person awards show.

With COVID-19 restrictions in place, Bond says they will hold the ceremony online.

“It’s going to be over a lunch hour, and we are going to announce the nominees, as well as the winners during that event. We’ll make sure that everyone is recognized, and the winners will be awarded.”

The deadline for nominations is January 22. Nominations can be made at the City of Grande Prairie and County of Grande Prairie websites.

The award ceremony will take place on February 12 at 11:30 a.m. The virtual ceremony will be open for anyone interested in attending.