Eight award recipients in the field of social services were recognized today at the 14th Annual Passionate Heart Celebration.

Sponsored by the Family Community Support Services (FCSS) in the City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie, towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley, and the Village of Hythe, the Passionate Heart Awards celebrate people and organizations who contribute significantly to their community, enhance social services in the region, and are dedicated to improving quality of life.

2020 Award Recipients:

  • Passionate Heart Exceptional Service Award:
    • Sarah Herman, Grade 6 teacher, Peace Wapiti School Division
    • James Walker, Clinical Supervisor and Psychologist, PACE
    • Samantha Cabral, Program Manager, Beaverlodge Victim Services Unit o Constable Joy Ajele, Investigator, RCMP
    • Lisa Wiseman, Family & Parent Education, Peace Wapiti School Division •
  • Passionate Heart Exceptional Team Award:
    • Camp Heal-A-Heart, Grande Prairie Grief Support Association: Jamie Tissington (Executive Director), Teanna Moen (Camp Coordinator), Kendal Cuthbert (Camp Counselor) and Bryan Dusseault (Camp Counselor)
    • Safe Visitation Team, PACE: Kim Page (Safe Visitation Facilitator), Adeline Mohyluk (Safe Visitation Facilitator) and Marlene Iversen (Safe Visitation Program Coordinator)
  • Passionate Heart Business Award: o NTL Pipelines Inc.
  • Chris Henderson Lifetime Achievement Award:
    • Penny Mickanuck, Executive Director, John Howard Society of Grande Prairie

Today is about celebrating and honoring the individuals, teams and business who have demonstrated time and again that contributing time and attention to those in need, or helping the organizations that work with the individuals, creates healthier and stronger communities,” said Kathleen Turner, County of Grande Prairie FCSS Director. “This year’s recipients are once again, a well-deserving group who’ve made a difference in the lives of others. The fact that the nominations are made by their peers emphasizes how much these individuals and organizations are valued.”

“The social well-being of our communities is impacted everyday because of the hard-work and dedication of our front-line workers. These awards are our way of acknowledging and celebrating these everyday heroes that are committed to creating a healthy and thriving community,” says Angela Sutherland, City of Grande Prairie Community Social Development Manager.