Tim Hortons Volunteers of the Week

Grande Prairie Family Education Society nominates Jesseca Gagnon for Volunteers of the Week! They wrote ‘Jesseca is a volunteer group facilitator for Rainbows Canada- this peer support 12-week Program helps children come together when dealing with grief and loss with peers of their own age, have a safe space to discuss their feelings, and work their way through their grief, towards hope for a new beginning. Rainbows is for children aged 3yrs- 18yrs of age. Jesseca is a calm, reliable, and empathetic facilitator who is always willing to be available to the children.’

Grande Prairie Public Library nominates Joan Taylor for Volunteers of the Week! They wrote ‘Joan has been a long-time volunteer at the Grande Prairie Public Library. After retiring from the Library, Joan continued to volunteer in Circulation, Shelf Reading, and more recently, Homebound Services. We appreciate Joan’s dedication and sense and humour. She is a great asset to our volunteer team.’

Rebels Minor Hockey nominates Melissa Jim for Volunteers of the Week! They wrote ‘Our entire team would like to nominate Melissa for her tireless dedication as team manager (year after year). Melissa does it all! From booking hotel blocks to pre-ordering all of the team meals and scheduling enhancement events to the already hectic practice and game schedule, everything is always done in a professional and organized manner. She does all of this with no expectation for credit and with a smile on her face regardless of the circumstances. Melissa not only does this for our team, but she is also involved with her three other children’s teams and volunteers both with GP minor hockey and the Rebels organization. In talking to parents and community members that have also had her as a manager it is always unanimous, that Melissa is the most amazing volunteer manager in the community. She makes our community a better place every day and does it with gladness and a smile.’

Spinal Cord Injury Alberta nominates Chris Eakin for Volunteers of the Week! They wrote ‘Chris drove over an hour away to bring a free table and chairs to a client who needed them. The table needed to be disassembled and reassembled for the transportation and set up. People like Chris help make life worth living when someone needs an extra-hand up. Thank-you Chris Eakin!’

Swan City FC nominates Dara LaLonde for Volunteers of the Week! They wrote ‘For several seasons, Dara has worked behind the scenes as an exceptional team manager for Swan City FC’s competitive soccer teams. Dara keeps the team organized, plans events and keeps the coaches on track. The parents of the players on the teams Dara manages always know they can approach her for anything!’

Swan City FC nominates Bev Shewfelt for Volunteers of the Week! They wrote ‘For several seasons, Bev has worked behind the scenes as an exceptional team manager for Swan City FC’s competitive soccer teams. Bev keeps the team organized, plans events and keeps the coaches on track. The parents of the players on the teams Bev manages always know they can approach Bev for anything!’

Grande Prairie Council for Lifelong Learning nominates Melinde Marquis for Volunteers of the Week! They wrote ‘Melinde did extensive online teaching training to meet the delivery learning needs of her learner. She has provided interactive lessons and activities to help her learner improve her reading and writing skills. We thank Melinde for her dedication and commitment. We are very grateful to have her on our team!’

Spinal Cord Injury Alberta nominates Elaine Stenbraaten for Volunteers of the Week! They wrote ‘Elaine has been untiring in her support of furnishing a home for a recently housed individual who uses a wheelchair. She not only found a free table with chairs but, cleaned the upholstery and sought out items at the local thrift shop; arranging for all of this to be delivered to the apartment of the client. People like Elaine keep the wheels turning in our communities!’

Spinal Cord Injury Alberta nominates Phil Brandt for Volunteers of the Week! They wrote ‘With very short notice, Phil helped with the pick-up and delivery of furniture for a client with a physical disability who planned to move to Grande Prairie over a weekend. By helping with this delivery, Phil saved the client $85.00 delivery fee and ensured that the client would have a bed to sleep on when he arrived late in the day. Phil was the fifth person that I asked; his willingness to help with pick-up and delivery is very appreciated.’

Grande Prairie Palliative Care Society nominates Crystal Oliver for Volunteers of the Week! They wrote ‘Crystal is an absolute delight. Since joining the Senior Pen Pal Program, she has filled our mailboxes with amazing stories and belly grabbing laughs. She is genuinely thoughtful and cares very deeply for our community, encompassing our seniors especially. You can feel her kind warmth through her letters and each one is a gem.’

Odyssey House nominates Greta Berg for Volunteers of the Week! They wrote ‘Greta has been an incredible asset to our organization. Greta has been willing to help out since day one. Whether it be a large event or a small day-to-day task, Greta has been up to help us out. Greta wants to be able to help empower women, she does this by not only being a positive role model in our community but by also graciously giving her time.’

Meals on Wheels nominates Amber Shaw for Volunteers of the Week! They wrote ‘Amber has been delivering with her mother for 11 years now! Thank you Amber for bringing sunshine to others. Keep doing such great work and we look forward to your return.’