Since 1985, Dec. 5 of each year is marked as International Volunteer Day by the United Nations. In past years to recognize this day and volunteers in our community the Grande Prairie Volunteer Services Bureau (GPVSB) hosted the Annual International Volunteer Day Celebration Breakfast featuring our Volunteer of the Year Awards.  

Following last year’s successful event, plans were made to partner with the City of Grande Prairie to present the George Repka Outstanding Achievement Award and Bill Bowes Volunteer Organization of the Year Award at this year’s event.  

GPVSB is also presenting the Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) Awards sponsored by ATCO. The LOT Awards are usually handed out in April at the annual National Volunteer Week Appreciation Luncheon; however, these were postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions. A video compilation for this year’s awards will be available on the GPVSB Facebook page in the coming days in lieu of an event this year. 

2020 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER:  

Wendy Doucet  

Wendy’s contribution across several organizations has made a significant impact in the community but none more so than her efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to local seniors and the elderly.  

“Wendy has a huge heart and she shares it with everyone without concern, to lighten the day of so many”  

Volunteer of the Year: Wendy Doucet (Courtesy GPVSB)

2020 CORPORATE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER:  

Grassroots Realty Group  

Community engagement for the Grassroots Realty Group is built on a company-wide policy that fosters volunteering and encourages their staff to be actively engaged in promoting volunteerism, philanthropy and giving back.  

Corporate Volunteer of the Year: Grassroots Realty Group, Yuri Smith and Morgan MacLean (Courtesy GPVSB)

2020 OUTSTANDING CITIZENS IN THE COMMUNITY:  

  • Lori Brough  
  • Angie Crerar  
  • Taj Johnson  
  • Sharon McLean  
  • Tom Pura  
  • Karen Rosvold  
  • Tyla Savard  
  • Jessica Schoepp  

2020 LEADERS OF TOMORROW AWARD WINNERS:  

  • Advocacy Award: Rosie Plante (Ages 16-18) and Akisa Mukaga (Ages 13-15) 
  • Leadership Award: Quinn Best (Ages 16-18) and Zac Jinkling (Ages 13-15) 
  • Perseverance Award: Natasha Manahan (Ages 16-18) and Mark Tagal (Ages 13-15) 
  • Volunteering Award: Shaen Gignac (Ages 16-18) and Nikolas Slade (Ages 13-15) 

GEORGE REPKA OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER:  

Fletcher Bootle  

Fletcher Bootle has been volunteering within the City of Grande Prairie since 1991, when he and his wife Diane moved to Grande Prairie for work. In this time, he has volunteered for numerous organizations and community groups.   

Mr. Bootle’s volunteer list is extensive, as is his knowledge and dedication to each position. He has built an amazing legacy of service in the community.  

George Repka Award: Fletcher Bootle (Courtesy GPVSB)

Vikki Ross  

Vikki Ross has been a member of the Board of Directors for the Grande Prairie Residential Society (GPRS) for over 35 years, with her availability to volunteer for GPRS linked to the flexibility of her role as an Occupational Therapist with Alberta Health Services Home Care.  

George Repka Award: Vikki Ross (Courtesy GPVSB)

BILL BOWES VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER:  

Stitch Club of Grande Prairie  

The Stitch Club of Grande Prairie was formed in 2001 and is comprised of 30 members. The group makes items such as hats, blankets, scarves and mittens which are donated to those in need within the Grande Prairie and Area community. The club donates these handmade materials to organizations in need. 

The Stitch club sets out to challenge themselves each year to increase their output and serve more of the community, a challenge that they have risen to year after year thanks to the dedication of their members. 

Bill Bowes Award: Stitch Club of GP (Courtesy GPVSB)

Information provided by the Grande Prairie Volunteer Services Bureau.