By Emily Keller

Volunteer AWARDS

Grande Prairie volunteer awards now accepting nominations

Aug 10, 2019 | 7:00 AM

Residents of Grande Prairie have the chance to recognize volunteers and volunteer organizations in the community now that the George Repka Outstanding Achievement Award and Bill Bowes Organization of the Year Award nominations are now open.

The George Repka Achievement Award recognizes people who have made a major contribution in recreation, culture, or social services in the community.

The award is named after former Mayor of Grande Prairie George Repka, who served on City Council for 10 years and made significant volunteer contributions.

The Bill Bowes Organization of the Year Award is for an organization or foundation that has made noticable changes and contributions to the community.

The Bill Bowes Award is named after Bill Bowes, a successful businessman in Grande Prairie who supported the community through involvement in many service clubs and organizations.

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Richelle Richardson, Administrative Supervisor for Sports Development, Wellness and Culture, says the awards themselves are important to the city.

“These types of awards are extremely important because it recognizes the people that go above and beyond and really want to make a better community for the community. It shows that they have a love for where they live and the people that they’re residing with and I think it really helps other people want to step up and help out as well.”

Richardson also says volunteers and volunteer organizations are vital to the community.

“Theres so many different aspects of this city that if we didn’t have volunteers out there helping us, so many things just wouldn’t happen. Events wouldn’t happen, the safety crossings wouldn’t happen, and if we didn’t have people stepping up and wanting to help the community there would be so many services that would just have to end.”

To be nominated for the George Repka Outstanding Achievement Award, individuals should be distinguished with notable achievements or contributions to the community, characterized by over 20 years of service.

For organizations or foundations to be eligible for the Bill Bowes Organization of the Year Award, they must also be distinguished with notable achievements or contributions to the community including things such as fundraising, volunteering, and recognition of community needs.

The nominated organizations must also be located within the City of Grande Prairie.

To nominate an individual, you can go here.

The nomination package for an organization or foundation can be found here.

The deadline for the nominations are on October 1.