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Award presentation
Award presentation
By Tanner Smith
"important tradition"

City of Grande Prairie celebrates 2025 Volunteer Awards

Mar 3, 2026 | 4:56 PM

City Council shared the winners of the 2025 Volunteer Awards last night (Monday, Mar. 2), during their regular council meeting.

Margaret Bowes received the George Repka Outstanding Achievement Award, which “recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to recreation, culture, or social services in the community.”

Bowes has spent more than 30 years volunteering at NWP, and according to the City, has played a “key role” in delivering and supporting arts programming, shows and events for children and youth.

The Bill Bowes Organization award was then presented to the Grande Prairie Firefighters Charitable Foundation.

The Firefighters Foundation was selected for this honour for their work supporting residents facing financial or personal hardships through programs or funding; the annual Sparky’s Secret Wish Program which provides holiday meals and gifts to 50 families, assistance to nominated families, and school lunch and snack programs.

According to the City, this award was designed to recognize “volunteer organizations or foundations in Grande Prairie that have demonstrated outstanding contributions to the community through meritorious service, voluntary contributions and exemplary community development having a direct and positive effect on residents.”

Mayor Jackie Clayton called these awards an “important tradition for the City,” as it’s a way to express gratitude for “the countless hours, leadership and service that volunteers contribute to making Grande Prairie a vibrant and supportive place to live.”

The City did thank all residents who submitted a nomination, and highlighted the diversity and strength of all the volunteers across the community.

by Tanner Smith