People, organizations and businesses dedicated to enhancing the social well-being of community members throughout our area received recognition during the 13th Annual Passionate Heart Awards Luncheon, held today at The TARA Centre in Evergreen Park.

Presented by the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) departments at the County of Grande Prairie, City of Grande Prairie, towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, and Wembley and the Village of Hythe, the Passionate Heart Awards celebrate outstanding contributions in human services throughout the region.

“We are fortunate to have such highly dedicated people and agencies serving our communities,” said Coree Ladwig, Team Lead of Adult, Senior and Community Programs at the County of Grande Prairie. “The professionals being recognized today are the unsung heroes in our communities, and their commitment to their work is truly inspiring”.

“Delivery of the annual Passionate Heart Award program is a way for us to celebrate the job we do in supporting individuals and families,” added Anna Stewart, City of Grande Prairie Home Support Coordinator. “Each year it becomes more and more challenging for our committee to decide on winners for each category, the nominations are so inspiring.”

This year, 16 frontline workers from seven organizations and one business received awards in four category areas, including:

The Passionate Heart Exceptional Service Award:

  • Cristine Bryan, Dave Barr Community Centre
  • Barbara London, St Mary’s School
  • Natascha Okimaw, Grande Prairie Friendship Centre
  • Valerie Thiessen, Volunteer Services Bureau
  • Carrie Thomson, PACE

Passionate Heart Exceptional Team Award:

  • Canadian Mental Health Association – Mobile Addictions Outreach Team Team Members: Sherilee Crawlee, Penny Newhook
  • Sunrise House Youth Emergency Shelter Team Team Members: James Buckel, Paula Friesen, Real Gagne, Wyatte George, Kathryn Goertzen, Jodi Morris, Emma Noseworthy.

Chris Henderson Lifetime Service Award:

  • Carla Eckstrom, PACE
  • Charlene Eckstrom, PACE

Passionate Heart Business Award: 

  • Pizza Hut, Franchisee Justin Munroe

2019 Passionate Heart Exceptional Team Award – Sunrise House

Information and photo provided by the Couny of Grande Prairie.