(Image Credit: Family and Community Support Services)

By Nathaniel Leigh

Recipients celebrated Feb. 13

Passionate Heart Celebration 2026

Feb 17, 2026 | 12:27 PM

The City of Grande Prairie has announced the recipients of the 2026 Passionate Heart Celebration.

Hosted by Family and Community Support Services on Friday, the awards recognized a total of 28 individuals, teams and businesses who make a meaningful difference in the lives of others across the region.

“The Passionate Heart Celebration reflects the strength of our region and the people who care deeply about one another,” said City of Grande Prairie Mayor, Jackie Clayton. “These recipients remind us that community is built through everyday acts of compassion that support people across the Grande Prairie area.”

“Much of our success as a region comes from strong partnerships and a shared commitment to community wellness,” says County of Grande Prairie Reeve Amanda McDonald. “Passionate Heart honours this year’s recipients for the meaningful contributions they make every day, strengthening our communities through their compassion, dedication, and care.”

A total of 28 awards recipients were named:

Passionate Heart Exceptional Individual (Sponsored by Any Time Towing):

• Shelby Fitzpatrick, Addictions and Mental Health, Grande Prairie Friendship Centre
• Jaynie Head, Outreach Worker, Grande Prairie Friendship Centre
• Corporal Gavin Ool, RCMP K Division
• Imelda Gonzalo, Family Dayhome Educator, Watch Me Grow
• Joshua Smith, Teacher, Grande Prairie Public School Division
• Heather Tillapaugh, Community Engagement Coordinator, Centre for Young Parents
• Amanda Jean, Relations & Events Coordinator, Oliver’s Funeral Home
• Areeha Shah, Addictions Counsellor, Recovery Alberta (AHS)
• Kim Wald, Youth Services, Program Manager, Centre for Young Parents
• Jena Cloutier, Educational Assistant, Grande Prairie Catholic School
• Jai Lin Mark, Admin Assistant, Library Tech, Educational Assistant and Classroom Supervisor; Grande Prairie Public School
• Hala Ezzeddine, Board of Governors Student Representative and NWPSA Student Council, Northwestern Polytechnic

Passionate Heart Exceptional Team (Sponsored by Aquatera):

• STBBI Nursing Team—NorthReach
• Northwest Peace FASD Society
• Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association
• City of Grande Prairie Mobile Outreach Team
• Recovery Alberta Health Care Team—Street Connect
• Mission Thrift Store Team
• YMCA Northern Alberta—Grande Prairie Team
• Alberta Northwest Pallative Care Society
• Sunrise House – Program Manager Team

Passionate Heart Exceptional Business:

• Petals & Posies Flower Co.
• Ark Dance Academy
• Jake’s Lawn Care
• Aztec Engineering
• Beaverlodge Home Building Centre
• CatWauk Compression Ltd.

Chris Henderson Lifetime Service Award (Sponsored by Aztec Engineering):

• Michael Leroux, Psychologist, Catholic Family Services