2024 International Volunteer Day Celebration Breakfast!
The Grande Prairie Regional Association of Volunteer Organizations (GP-RAVO), in partnership with the City of Grande Prairie, held the annual International Volunteer Day Celebration Breakfast on the morning of Thursday, December 5th, 2024. This delightful breakfast, prepared by the Rotary Club of Grande Prairie Barbeque Crew, provided a wonderful opportunity for community members, organizations, and volunteers to gather and reflect on the past year. Once again hosted at the Golden Age Center, the event also featured the presentation of the 2024 Volunteer Awards!
The City of Grande Prairie awarded the George Repka Outstanding Achievement Award and the Bill Bowes Volunteer Organization of the Year Award. GP-RAVO presented the Volunteer of the Year Award (sponsored by Servus Credit Union), the Corporate Volunteer of the Year Award (sponsored by Prairie Mall), the Leaders of Tomorrow Award (sponsored by International Paper), and the Outstanding Citizen Awards.
The 2024 recipients are:
George Repka Outstanding Achievement Award
Marianne Hartman – We are honored to present this award to Marianne. She has dedicated nearly a decade to the Resource Centre for Suicide Prevention as a board member and five years as a facilitator for Survivors Groups. With certification in Death and Grief Studies under Dr. Alan Wolfelt and 20 years as a medical social worker with AHS, Marianne’s compassionate service has made a profound impact on countless lives. Congratulations, Marianne!
Bill Bowes Volunteer Organization of the Year Award
Grande Prairie Army Cadets – This award goes to the Grande Prairie Army Cadets! We are proud to recognize the Army Cadets for their outstanding dedication, leadership, and commitment to fostering the next generation of disciplined and engaged youth. Through their hard work, teamwork, and community involvement, they exemplify the values of service and excellence. Please join me in celebrating the Army Cadets as this year’s deserving award recipients!
For more on the City of GP’s awards visit https://cityofgp.com/awards.
Leaders of Tomorrow Awards – sponsored by International Paper
- Allegra Pardy – Leadership
- Blake Parker – Leadership
- Brooke Page – Volunteerism
- Madisyn Page – Volunteerism
- Joshua Verhage – Advocacy
- Meilea Lafontaine – Perseverance
Click here to learn about the 2024 Leaders of Tomorrow Awards Recipients.
Individual Volunteer of the Year Award – sponsored by Servus Credit Union
Erica Fisher – Erica has demonstrated exceptional commitment to her community over the past year through her volunteer efforts with various organizations, including the Rotary Club of Grande Prairie After Five, the Grande Prairie Public Library Board, the Grande Prairie Pride Society, the Friendship Centre, and the City of Grande Prairie. She serves in prominent leadership positions, such as President-elect of the Rotary Club and Vice Chair of the Library Board, and is deeply passionate about advocating for marginalized groups, cultural diversity, and the rights of youth, LGBTQ+, and women.
Her initiatives have fostered inclusive environments, including a welcoming space for teens and a supportive book club for women. Erica’s leadership has revitalized community events like RibFest and the Grande Prairie Regional Airshow, while also ensuring vital information access during the challenges posed by Bill C-18.
Her kindness and dedication have left a lasting impact. Congratulations, Erica, on being awarded the 2024 Volunteer of the Year!
Corporate Volunteer of the Year Award – sponsored by Prairie Mall
Liberty Energy – Liberty Energy received the 2024 Corporate Volunteer of the Year Award for its outstanding commitment to community service. Key reasons include:
- A culture encouraging volunteerism with paid time off.
- Funding a children’s play area for the Grande Prairie Palliative Care Society, with employee involvement.
- Support for military personnel through programs like Comeback Yoga and partnerships with local organizations.
- An annual $1 million commitment to enhance education and healthcare in the Permian Basin, along with scholarships and sustainability efforts.
These initiatives demonstrate Liberty’s core values and lasting positive impact.
Outstanding Citizen Awards
- Sexsmith & Area Food Bank
- Bruce Tattrie
- Walter (Walt) Salter
- Endurance Oseyi Okobia
- Richard Nasedkin
- Paul Rovin Ngemital
Click here to learn more about the Volunteer of the Year Awards and Outstanding Citizen Awards recipients.
Watch this year's presentation
GP-RAVO would like to thank, the City of Grande Prairie, the Rotary Club of GP BBQ Crew, International Paper, Servus Credit Union, Prairie Mall, the Golden Age Centre and Safeway for supporting this year’s breakfast & awards, we would also like to thank the following for donating door prizes:
- Mayor Clayton
- Domino’s Pizza
- Grande Prairie Live Theatre
- Costco
- Crouse’s Cleaners
- Grande Spirit Foundation
- Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association
- Mr. Mikes
2024 Leaders of Tomorrow Awards Sponsored by:
Individual Volunteer of the Year Award sponsored by:
Corporate Volunteer of the Year Award sponsored by:
Breakfast prepared and provided by:
Juice donated by:
Past Year's Celebrations
2023 International Volunteer Day
December 5th is marked as International Volunteer Day by the United Nations. In recognition of this day, the Grande Prairie
2022 International Volunteer Day
December 5th, 2022 is marked as International Volunteer Day by the United Nations, in recognition of this day the Grande
International Volunteer Day: A Day to Celebrate Collective Action
Every year on December 5th, the world comes together to celebrate International Volunteer Day (IVD), also known as the International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development. Established by the UN General Assembly in 1985, IVD is a unique opportunity for volunteers, organizations, and communities to:
Showcase their contributions to positive change at local, national, and international levels.
Work collaboratively with governments, non-profit groups, educational institutions, and businesses to address social and economic challenges.
This day bridges the gap between UN support and grassroots efforts, creating a powerful platform for collective action. Celebrated in over 80 countries, IVD is a reminder of the immense impact volunteers have on building a better future.
Learn more at https://www.unv.org/international-volunteer-day.
