By Justin Dionne

Grande Prairie hands out Volunteer Recognition Awards

Feb 9, 2019 | 6:57 AM

Over 300 volunteers have received recognition at the City of Grande Prairie Volunteer Recognition Ceremony.
 
The volunteers devoted their time to the Grande Prairie Museum, Homeless Inititives and a number of other organizations.
 
Three awards were presented by Deputy Mayor Clyde Blackburn.
 
One of the awards Blackburn presented was the 2018 Bill Bowes Volunteer Organization of the Year Award to Banaged Paws Animal Rescue. The award recognizes volunteer organizations or foundations who provide outstanding contributions to the community.  
 
The other two awards presented by the Deputy Mayor were the George Repka Outstanding Achievement Awards. This award recognizes volunteers who have devoted their time to the community for over 20 years.
 
A volunteer of over 30 years named Susan Thomson was one of the recipients.
 
She says she loves doing what she can to help the community.
 
“I chose Grande Prairie for my home, I did not grow up here,” says Thomson. “I love this city, and therefore I like to do what I can do to make it a very positive place to live.”
 
The other recipient of the George Repka Award was Willie Braun who has been volunteering since 1985.
 
Braun explains he’s happy to be recognized and believes volunteering is something people of all ages can enjoy.
 
“Well, I feel honoured. I always thought that people that retire at any age should look for something else to do, but as long as you keep busy doing something. And especially look for something you can enjoy doing. And then go at it whole-heartedly,” says Braun.
 
The George Repka Award is named after a former mayor of Grande Prairie who filled a number of volunteer roles and contributed significantly to the commuity.