Nominations open for 2021 local volunteer awards

“So, they’ve taken on a project, or they’ve come up with an innovative way of doing something, but they’ve made that difference since the previous December,” she explained.

“What we’re looking for is not necessarily someone who volunteered for 30 years, but someone who has volunteered this past year and made a difference.”

Another award this year includes the Corporate Volunteer of the Year, which Pasemko says is to recognize a corporation that has made a significant difference to the community or an organization.

This award is not based on monetary contributions, but to acknowledge a business based on its involvement in the community.

Pasemko tells EverythingGP in years past, there have been very few nominations for the Corporate Volunteer of the Year award, which is why for this year businesses can nominate themselves.

“What we’re looking at is a business that really supports its employees volunteering or that they pick a project, and all their employees go out and help,” she said.

The Outstanding Citizen award will be given to five or six people this year, which Pasemko considers the “quiet awards.” She says those are to recognize individuals who are out there volunteering for themselves or something they feel is important in their hearts.

“We look at volunteers across the whole spectrum, it doesn’t matter what area they’re volunteering in or what it is they’re particularly doing, and we look across that spectrum and we choose people who are just quietly volunteering.”

The Leaders of Tomorrow Awards are meant to recognize youth who have made a significant contribution to volunteerism and leadership in the community.

Pasemko mentioned there are two age groups, ranging from 12 to 15 (grades seven to nine), as well as 16 to 18 (grades 10 to 12).

“We look at youth who made a fundamental difference to the community who made a fundamental difference to the community through their volunteering and through different kinds of things they do,” she explained.

Pasemko added the City of Grande Prairie will also present its awards alongside the association for their George Repka Outstanding Achievement award and the Bill Bowes Volunteer Organization of the Year award.

The George Repka Outstanding Achievement award recognizes individuals who have made a major contribution in the areas of recreation, culture, or social services to the community.

The Bill Bowes Volunteer Organization of the Year Award recognizes volunteer organizations or foundations in Grande Prairie that have provided outstanding contributions to the community through meritorious service, voluntary contributions, and exemplary community development having a direct, positive effect on residents of the City of Grande Prairie.

The awards will be presented on December 6, which is just a day after International Volunteer Day.

Pasemko suggests it’s crucial to shine a spotlight on volunteers who have made a difference in the region.

“Volunteers build communities, and volunteers add to the quality-of-life in a community, so without volunteers, then you’re always paying for services, and if you’re always paying for services, chances are likely that you’re not going to get them.”

With the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Grande Prairie Regional Association of Volunteers is planning for a couple of different possibilities for the awards banquet on December 6.

Pasemko explains that the limited in-person event would still be presented virtually for those who cannot attend.

Those that are interested in nominating a volunteer for an award are invited to do so by visiting the Grande Prairie Regional Association of Volunteers website.

The deadline for nominations is Tuesday, November 2.

by Abby Zieverink