In 1985, the United Nations General Assembly established International Volunteer Day (IVD) to commemorate the contributions and dedication of volunteers worldwide. Today, IVD is celebrated globally on December 5 by volunteers, voluntary organizations and all those who benefit directly from the endless help of a volunteer.

To celebrate International Volunteer Day (IVD), the City of Grande Prairie and the Grande Prairie Regional Association of Volunteer Organizations (GP-RAVO) cordially invite volunteers, community organizations and community members who value and support volunteerism to attend the International Volunteer Day Celebration Breakfast featuring the 2023 Volunteer Awards on December 5, 2023, at the Golden Age Centre. Doors open at 7:00 a.m.

The Rotary Club of Grande Prairie Barbeque Crew prepares and provides the breakfast. Tim Hortons and Safeway donate coffee and juice, respectively.

As a part of the celebration, the City of GP & GP-RAVO will present the following Volunteer Awards:

The City of Grande Prairie will present:

• The George Repka Outstanding Achievement Award – This award recognizes individuals who have made a major contribution in the areas of recreation, culture, or social services to the community. Learn more about this award at https://cityofgp.com/georgerepka.
• The Bill Bowes Volunteer Organization Of The Year Award – This award to 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. Learn more about this award at https://cityofgp.com/billbowes.

GP-RAVO will present:

• The 2023 Volunteer of the Year Awards – These awards recognize an individual and organization that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to volunteerism over the past 12 months. The Servus Credit Union sponsors the Individual Volunteer of the Year Award, and the Prairie Mall sponsors the Corporate Volunteer of the Year. Included with the Volunteer of the Year Awards is the Outstanding Citizens of the Year Awards recognizing individuals, groups and businesses who have improved the quality of life in the community through volunteer work. Click here to learn more about the Volunteer of the Year Awards.
• The Leaders of Tomorrow Awards – These awards recognize exceptional young leaders, in two age categories: Junior (13-15 years) and Senior (16-18 years), in Grande Prairie and the surrounding area. Recipients demonstrate dedication and excellence in their volunteer work fields (e.g. school, community, social activism, athletics, or arts) and inspire the spirit of volunteerism in others. This year’s Leaders of Tomorrow Awards is sponsored by International Paper. Click here to learn more about the Leaders of Tomorrow Awards.