2022 Volunteer of the Year Recipients
2022 Volunteer of the Year – Devin Bateman
Devin Bateman is the 2022 Volunteer of the Year for his passion and hard work. His contributions are most noticeable in the community of Clairmont and the Clairmont Community Garden Society.
Devin puts in countless hours throughout the summer to ensure the success of the Clairmont Community Garden Society.
This year the group donated 1043 pounds of homegrown tomatoes and potatoes to the Clairmont food bank to assist those suffering from food insecurities.
In addition to working full-time, Devin is the backbone of the society; he acts as its primary contact person and worker on the board. Throughout the year, he leads a group of 6 to 8 volunteers to build, plant, and maintain the garden.
He has worked hard to engage the community by updating his Facebook page every week. Devin engages with community members of all ages and has reduced vandalism in Adventure Park.
Devin’s work has not gone unnoticed other communities in the region have asked him to share his expertise on this successful project in Clairmont.
Congratulations Devin!
Award presented by Servus Credit Union’s Jamie Rigler.
2022 Corporate Volunteer of the Year – Stonebuilt Homes Ltd.
Devin Kimble and Matt Buchta are Partners at Stonebuilt Homes, which is a Commercial and Residential Construction company. What is unique about Stonebuilt Homes as a business is that it adopts a “boots to the ground” process when it comes to fundraising efforts.
The business designs, builds and donates the playhouses for the Centre for Young Parents (CFYP) Playhouse Raffle each year. Stonebuilt Homes’ dedicated design team and administration are excellent at communicating with Heather, the Community Engagement Coordinator at CFYP. It is one of the few companies very involved in looking for sponsors.
Stonebuilt Homes helps all year round in small ways by sharing brochures and business cards advocating for CFYP. In addition to donating their efforts to the Playhouse Raffle, Stonebuilt has been involved with the 2018 Dream Home.
Congratulations Stonebuilt Homes!
Award presented by Prairie Mall’s Kristin Schemenauer.
The 2022 Volunteer of the Year Award is sponsored by:
The 2022 Corporate volunteer of the Year Award is sponsored by:
2022 Outstanding Citizens Awards
Cindy Bliston
The phrase that best describes Cindy is: “Always goes above and beyond”. Cindy officially works full-time at the Grande Prairie & Area Safe Communities. She consistently supplements her hours by volunteering 15 additional hours per week. She runs safety programs and advocates for children’s safety. You will often find Cindy installing child car seats in vehicles, overseeing the Bike Rodeo and organizing the Home Alone program. Cindy’s passion for keeping children safe underlies everything she does!
Congratulations Cindy!
Dylan Bressey
Since arriving in Grande Prairie in 2011, Dylan has created many community connections and is always looking for opportunities to connect further. Dylan established and is heavily involved in the sport of disk golf within Grande Prairie. He frequently volunteers within the community. Dylan serves on the Board of Grande Prairie Regional Sport Connection and the Regional Recreational Board. He started a business within Grande Prairie and currently serves on City Council.
Even with his busy schedule, Dylan continues to look for ways to give back and engage people within Grande Prairie.
Congratulations Dylan!
Renee Corrigal
Renee serves on the Wembley & District Agricultural Society board of directors as the current Vice President. She has lent her time to sit in monthly meetings of the board, she has chaired the Grande Re-Opening committee and the Fire/Rebuild committee contributing well over 100 hours. She also sits on the Fall Fair committee and volunteers her time to various fundraisers.
In June of 2020 the beloved community Source Energy Arena and Recreation Centre building suffered a fire, causing damages to the rear of the building forcing it to close its doors to the public.
Renee stepped up and volunteered her time to help the Society find their next steps and begin the process of reopening the doors to the public once again. There was no one better suited for this undertaking and she was able to overcome all obstacles with persistence, determination, and drive. Renee’s dedication has provided the community once again with a great space for sports and recreational activities, as well as a sense of community they all get to experience as they volunteer with her.
Currently, Renee dedicates all of her time to the Wembley & District Agricultural Society. The Society has had her service for five years. It is her positive attitude and creativity that make her an asset to any team, as well as her willingness to help where needed. With all her endeavors for the Society, she demonstrates pride and ownership.
Congratulations Renee!
Bear Creek Funeral Home & Cremation Sanctuary
The Bear Creek Funeral Home & Cremation Sanctuary has been an active and supportive member of the Grande Prairie and Area community for several years. Over the past 12 months, they have supported volunteers, organizations, and initiatives to improve our community. Their supportive activities include any or all of the following:
• volunteering
• donating
• hosting events
• sponsorship
The list of local organizations and events benefiting from their philanthropic value is lengthy. Bear Creek Funeral Home is a dedicated contributor to supportive agencies and events that make Grande Prairie a great place to live!
Congratulations Bear Creek Funeral Home & Cremation Sanctuary!
Emilia Hovorka
Emilia is always serving on a Non-Profit Board somewhere in Grande Prairie. Recently, she has served on the board of the Community Village Society. Emilia also works tirelessly with new immigrants to help them fill out immigration forms and assists them with integration into Canadian work culture. She is always very generous with her time and resources. Whatever extras she has she makes sure it goes to someone in need.
Congratulations Emilia!
Jared Gossen
Two words capture Jared Gossen: Consistency and Commitment. He can be counted on to communicate and coordinate while keeping it simple. Jared has volunteered and worked in different capacities with marginalized people and families within the Grande Prairie area.
Whether assisting with a Church weekly meal for vulnerable persons or advocating for marginalized people, Jared is honest and genuine. Through his simplified faith, he meets people where they are. He truly lives by the words of his Great Grandmother: “If you haven’t helped someone today, you haven’t done anything.”
Congratulations Jared!
Outstanding Citizen Awards presented to by the Association’s President Phil Linfield.
Congratulations to all 2022 recipients.