Tim Hortons Volunteers of the Week

Centre for Young Parents nominates Josh Penner for Tim Hortons Volunteers of the Week! They wrote ‘Josh has been an incredible addition to our daycare team. He enjoys spending time with his own family, whether it’s hiking, camping, or playing video games together, and when he’s not doing that, he is always up for some daycare escapades. Since Josh joined our team, he has been a major asset. He is always flexible with where he spends his time. Sometimes his day is spent rocking two babies to sleep at the same time, feeding several kids in highchairs or tackling taking our older kids outside. Josh brings a gentle playfulness with him when he enters the room and without fail the kids recognize him and flock towards his exuberant personality. We are extremely grateful to have Josh on our team, he brings a wonderful energy to the room that we are stoked to see more of.’

Grande Prairie Friendship Centre nominates Hayley Breitkreutz for Tim Hortons Volunteers of the Week! Volunteer Coordinator Orren wrote ‘Hayley is a young person who began volunteering with us last fall at one of our “Evening Of Friendship” events. GPFC staff quickly recognized her quiet kindness and work ethic and have been encouraged by it every time we’ve seen her since. Hayley tried volunteering with a few different GPFC programs before settling with Babies’ Best Start, where she volunteers multiple times a week while also finishing her high school education. In April, we’re holding our Volunteer’s Appreciation Banquet. I asked all Program Coordinator’s to invite their top 3 volunteers, and Hayley’s name came up across multiple programs. I think that speaks volumes about who Hayley is as a person, and why she’s more than deserving of the title “Volunteer of the Week” We hope to have Hayley at the Friendship Centre for a long time, but whatever Hayley wants to do with her future, we know she’ll do it with kindness and care, and we’ll support her every step of the way.’

United For Literacy nominates Jackelyn Losie for Tim Hortons Volunteers of the Week! They wrote ‘Jackelyn has been a valued volunteer in our 1:1 Reading Support Program this school year. Her caring nature, sense of humour, and consistent availability created a safe, enjoyable tutoring environment. Working together twice a week, Jackelyn and her student quickly built a relationship that fostered confidence, growth, and a love of reading. Jackelyn will be moving out of the province soon but she plans to continue volunteering with United For Literacy once she is settled. Our organization is so lucky to work with passionate, dedicated community members like Jackelyn. We will be so sad to see her leave but wish her all the best in this next chapter!’

Grande Prairie Centre For Newcomers nominates Larysa Tsymbal for Tim Hortons Volunteers of the Week! They wrote ‘Larysa has only been volunteering with us since the beginning of March but she has been an integral part of our volunteer tax program. She has several years accounting experience in Ukraine and has brought her same passion for numbers to her volunteer role. Although the taxation system is very different, and she continues to improve her language skills she has been able to learn quickly and is working so hard for our program. She comes every weekday to help us with submitting simple tax files for newcomers to Canada. Thank you Larysa for your dedication and invaluable support! We are so thankful for you! Your friendly smile and positive can-do attitude has brought such brightness to our workplace!’

Lyneah with GP Hospital Auxiliary nominates Linda Currie for Tim Hortons Volunteers of the Week! Lyneah wrote ‘I would like to thank Linda for her continual dedication to activities pre and post covid. Linda’s activities include:

• Cuddles babies
• Way finder at the hospital
•  Weekly emergency room support
• Treasurer of the auxiliary board’

Grande Prairie Friendship Centre nominates Mieke De Groot for Tim Hortons Volunteers of the Week! Orren Anderson wrote ‘Mieke inquired about volunteering with the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre last fall as she was navigating early retirement. I sat down with her at a table in our One Window Resource space as she spoke about the transition, and I immediately connected with her and her experience, even as a 30-year-old who’s far from retiring. We spoke of social issues and working in non-profits, and I was grateful for her wisdom and that she was interested in using her newly freed up time with us at the Centre.’

‘Today, Mieke comes to volunteer in the Community Kitchen every Monday she can. Staff love having Mieke around, her positivity and wisdom mean so much to us. She’s been such a great addition to our team, and that’s why I’m nominating Mieke De Groot for volunteer of the week!’

PARDS nominates Heather Knutson for Tim Hortons Volunteers of the Week! They wrote ‘Heather Knutson learned first hand about PARDS programs and while here asked about volunteering. She is very active, taking classes and finding other interests along her way. She said, “Let me check my schedule”, and the rest is history as the saying goes. Heather attended the volunteer orientation for lesson supports and has jumped right in volunteering weekly in lessons as a leader. She has offered support when other volunteers are unavailable, and just recently helped at the AG show at Evergreen Park at the PARDS Petting Zoo. Heather has said, she is open to other opportunities such as events or helping with ticket sales. We are grateful for her support and enjoy seeing her here with us’

Shauna Grypiuk with Roots of Empathy – Grande Prairie Family Education Society nominates Sarah Chamberlain for Tim Hortons Volunteers of the Week! Shauna wrote ‘I am writing to nominate Sarah for recognition in her outstanding contribution as a volunteer within the Roots of Empathy program.’

‘Sarah and her daughter Isla have been partnered with a Grade 1 classroom in Grande Prairie and have proven to be an integral part of our Roots of Empathy community, dedicating her time, energy, and passion to support the growth and development of children in our program. Her commitment to fostering empathy and emotional intelligence in young minds has made a significant impact on the children in her classroom. She has been a vital source of support for me, in helping to teach the children about child development, including topics such as milestones, sleep habits and safety. ‘

‘Throughout Sarah’s involvement in the program, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional empathy, patience, and understanding in her interactions with the children. She has facilitated meaningful discussions, encouraged thoughtful reflections, and provided invaluable support to ensure the success of each session.’

‘It is with great pleasure that I nominate Sarah Chamberlain for recognition of her outstanding contributions as a volunteer with the Roots of Empathy program. Her dedication, kindness, and unwavering commitment to nurturing empathy in young minds make them truly deserving of this honor. Thank you.’

Debbie Harris with Beaverlodge Barracudas nominates Melissa Hansen for Tim Hortons Volunteers of the Week! Debbie wrote ‘Melissa serves as the Treasurer for the Beaverlodge Barracudas Swim Club, where she dedicates extensive hours to meticulously reconciling registration fees, managing club expenses, and overseeing coach payments. Additionally, during our home swim meets, Melissa actively engages with community business owners to secure financial sponsorships or prizes for our swimmers. Melissa’s proactive approach to securing sponsorships for the club’s events highlights her exceptional networking abilities and persuasive communication skills. Through her efforts, she not only secures vital financial support but also fosters valuable relationships within the community, strengthening the club’s standing and influence.’

‘Her unwavering presence is notable at every swim meet, where she assists swimmers with their swim caps and goggles and ensures they get to their events on time. Melissa embodies the role of a supportive guardian. She is like the team “mom” helping to make sure the swimmers are fed and cared for throughout the meet. Melissa plays an instrumental role in fostering a positive and inclusive team environment.’

‘Furthermore, Melissa’s reliability and willingness to assist with any task demonstrates her selflessness and commitment to the club and sport of swimming. Whether it’s organizing team events or offering a helping hand wherever needed, Melissa consistently demonstrates her dedication to the club’s success and the well-being of its members.’

‘Overall, Melissa’s invaluable contributions to the Beaverlodge Barracudas Swim Club extend far beyond her official role as Treasurer. Her unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and genuine passion for supporting the club and its members make her an indispensable asset and a true exemplar of volunteerism.’

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grande Prairie & Area nominates Kent Hill for Tim Hortons Volunteers of the Week! They wrote ‘Kent has been a volunteer with our organization for 6 years and volunteers his time to mentor a youth who has faced many hardships in his young life. Kent has been a dedicated and steadfast volunteer for both the agency and his Little. Recently, Kent spoke on behalf of a Mentor perspective at our 2024 Ultimate Escape and demonstrated the impact that volunteering to be a Mentor has had on not only his Little’s life, but also on his own. Even with Kent’s busy work schedule, he always dedicates time to his Little and recently did something extra special for his Little for his birthday, this week to make his day even more memorable. We are lucky to have mentors like Kent in our program and are thankful for everything he does for our program and his Little! Thank you, Kent!’

Sheryl Pelletier with Friends of the Shannon Library Society nominates Ailsa Johnson for Tim Hortons Volunteers of the Week! Sheryl wrote ‘She has been actively involved in our Friends Society since before I (Library Director) arrived in 2007. She stayed involved throughout the changes that the Society went through and helped make those changes sustainable. She took over as President in 2012 and has helped keep the Society Active throughout. She volunteers and helps organize annual fundraisers, raffle events, and Casino volunteers.’

‘Outside of the Friends Society, she is an amazing recruiter for volunteers for other casinos, will sell books of raffle tickets for whosoever needs them, and is just generally the exact person to call when you need someone.’

‘She is active in the Sexsmith Seniors Kitchen, The Seams like Sexsmith Quilt Guild, The Friends of the Library Society, her local sorority., as well as being a grandmother and friend to all who need her.’

Grande Prairie Minor Baseball Association nominates Ashley Riley for Tim Hortons Volunteers of the Week! They wrote ‘Ashley has jumped in with both feet. Joining the board in the spring of 2023 as the Lil Reds Director, she has also taken on the role of Secretary for the executive board. Always helpful helping prepare for the season and other activities. She is also volunteering with other groups in the community including minor hockey, Derek Taylor school and rotary activities.’