The Grande Prairie Regional Association of Volunteer Organizations launched the Volunteer of the Year Award in 2009. The award honours an extraordinary individual living in the Grande Prairie region for their volunteer contributions in the most recent twelve-month period for their considerable impact within the community.
In 2013 we added the Corporate Volunteer of the Year Award to recognize a company or business that, through its staff and policies supporting volunteerism, created an impact on a not-for-profit organization(s) in the last twelve months.
Along with the Volunteer of the Year Awards, the Association presents the Outstanding Citizens of the Year Awards. These awards pay tribute to individuals, groups and businesses who have improved the quality of life in the community through volunteer work. Nominations for the Awards open late August early September.
The Volunteer of the Year Awards are presented at our annual International Volunteer Day Celebration Breakfast in December.
The Individual Volunteer of the Year Award is sponsored by Servus Credit Union and the Corporate Volunteer of the Year Award is sponsored by the Prairie Mall.
2018 Volunteer of the Year Recipients
Volunteer of the Year - Cayla Kushnirak
Mother of six Cayla Kushnirak is an active volunteer in the many programs offered by the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre. She is always willing to help and is a very reliable volunteer to the organization.
When her eldest son joined NIHA Pitone Youth Group, 6 months ago, Cayla quickly became the programs top adult volunteer. Spending over 100 hours a month helping with everything from information booths, events to chaperoning, if Cayla can help in any way she will. While participating in the Aboriginal Head Start Program, with her kids, Cayla and her husband volunteered a total of 873 hours in the past year, this does not include hours she spent assisting other programs. Even now that she is no longer part of this program Cayla is always there to help out when she can.
Cayla is a very dedicated volunteer who always willing to learn and help in new ways. She is a great role model to her children and others for her willingness to always help her community.
Corporate Volunteer of the Year - Revolution Auto Group
Revolution Auto Group recognizes the support it receives from the communities it serves and gives back through its involvement in volunteer programs, sponsorships of events and organizations, and gifts to charity.
They offer employees an incentive program that encourages volunteering – employees who volunteer 40 hours per year in the community receive an additional week of paid vacation. Between November 2017 and October 2018, the 2018 Alberta Summer Games was the recipient of many Revolution Auto Group staff volunteers that included four employees that played key roles as Directors on the local organizing committee. Each Director would have contributed a minimum of 500+ hours in their positions. The support didn’t end there, they loaned vehicles, donated fuel, office supplies, trucks, ad budget, and more. The entire company seemed to catch the spirit of the Games and their support was paramount to the 2018 Alberta Summer Games overall success!
The Revolution Auto Group continues to make a significant impact in the community as a strong corporate leader.
Outstanding Members of the Community
James Aasen, Tracy Allard, Carlos Grisales, Sharon Lejeune, David Olinger and Lionel Robbins.
Past Years
2017
Volunteer of the Year
Dawn Torrance
Corporate Volunteer of the Year
Swiss Chalet
Outstanding Members of the Community:
Trevor Sak
Meg Archer & Molly
Akina Noppibul
Michelle Glenn
2016
Volunteer of the Year
Deb Courvoisie
Corporate Volunteer of the Year
Unique Home Concepts
Outstanding Members of the Community:
Candi Radcliffe
Doug Smith
Community Foundation of The County of Grande Prairie Firefighters
Melanie Bell-Fournier
The Rotary Club of Grande Prairie BBQ Crew
2015
Volunteer of the Year
Cliff Turner
Corporate Volunteer of the Year
ATB Financial
Outstanding Members of the Community:
Tiny Hands of Hope
Maj Photography
Meals on Wheels
Cristy Ellen
Merv Crouse
2014
Volunteer of the Year
Shannon Dunfield
Corporate Volunteer of the Year
Horizon North Manufacturing
2013
Volunteer of the Year
Ojone Eche-Ameh
Corporate Volunteer of the Year
Servus Credit Union