Honouring community builders
On Oct. 27, I was honoured to host my second annual Community Builders Awards ceremony. These awards were created to recognize and celebrate many of the volunteers who go above and beyond to make the Lethbridge region great by giving of their time, talent and resources.
One of the many reasons I am proud to represent the riding of Lethbridge is the strong community spirit we share. Instead of expecting others to do the work for us, countless individuals step up, take ownership and become an active part of making our community a healthy and vibrant place to live — a place we’re proud to call home. Our region wouldn’t be the same without the dedicated investment of these caring individuals.
From business owners who graciously donate to community projects, to parents who coach our children’s sports teams, to passionate individuals who serve our city’s youth, to advocates for mental health reform — commitment to improving our community takes many forms.
Those who generously give back to the community are a pillar of strength in Canadian society. Roughly 44 per cent of Canadians volunteer their time, totalling two billion hours each year — the equivalent of one million full-time jobs. Volunteers not only enrich our quality of life but also contribute to innovation and help our communities grow and progress.
This year, I received more than 100 nominations, which is a positive testament to the strength of our region. Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate a member of our community for recognition. It was extremely difficult for this year’s selection committee to select 13 recipients from so many deserving applications.
At a ceremony held at city hall on Saturday, I had the privilege of presenting three youth and 10 adults with a Community Builders Award. This year’s recipients were David Awosoga (youth), Kiann Bonhert (youth), Josh Holt (youth), Brent Botfield (deceased), David Carpenter, Joyce Crittenden, Matthew Entz, Gerda Grisnich, Duncan Lloyd, Andy McCallum, Imogen Pohl, Bri Thomas and Dr. Sayeh Zielke.
Each award winner’s commitment to investing in the lives of others is truly remarkable and it was an honour to celebrate them. The impact of this year’s honourees spans every community in the Lethbridge riding. It was a pleasure to come together with their nominators, family, friends and last year’s recipients to celebrate the amazing work they do in our community.
In the years to come, I look forward to continuing to celebrate outstanding individuals who call the Lethbridge riding home. If you know someone who goes above and beyond to improve the lives of others in our community, please consider nominating them for an award this spring. Nominations will open in April.
Lastly, I want to thank every individual who selflessly gives to our community. Whether you dedicate your time to a local sports team, helping at a shelter or food bank, or donate to one of the many cultural, religious or service organizations that make Lethbridge such a great place to live, thank you.
Because of you, the Lethbridge riding is great place to call home!