Symon Pfau is the 2022 Clairmont Volunteer of the Year recipient. The Award is presented by the County of Grande Prairie to a nominated individual who has demonstrated dedication and excellence in volunteerism within the Hamlet. 

Pfau has coached the Clairmont Minor Hockey Club for the past four years. He is acknowledged for ensuring players have fun, learn, excel, and feel part of the team. Pfau is also recognized as a consensus builder with families. 

“I felt very humble and fortunate to be able to work with that group of kids and their parents,” he says. “When you build a team, it takes a lot of commitment from players, coaches, and parents who put in endless hours behind the scenes. Being nominated means a lot and I feel honored to represent part of the hard work put into these kids.” 

Pfau says he wants players to gain confidence in themselves while understanding that hard work pays off and attending practice with a great attitude builds a team. 

“If people see me as someone who helped their child’s love of playing sports, then I’m a successful coach. A kid will work really hard for you if they see you care about them and what they like.” 

Volunteering is a significant part of Pfau’s life. He is also head football coach at the Composite High School where he is a teacher. 

“I love helping out in the community and I’m lucky my two sons and wife, Raelynn are so supportive.” 

Division 2 Councillor Kurt Balderston says volunteer efforts and expertise like Pfau brings are vital to community connectedness and vibrancy. 
 
“The County is fortunate to have thousands of dedicated and caring volunteers who make a significant difference to life in our communities,” says Councillor Balderston. “It’s especially important to have individuals investing time in mentoring our youth.” 

  The Clairmont Volunteer of the Year Award program was created in 2016 and is organized by the County’s Wellington Resource Centre, Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Office. For more information, visit www.countygp.ab.ca/clairmontvolunteer or contact the Wellington Resource Centre at 780-567-2843. 

Information provided by the County of Grande Prairie