The Grande Prairie Regional Association of Volunteer Organizations (GPRAVO) is excited to present the Annual Volunteer of the Year Awards, recognizing an exceptional individual and business in the Grande Prairie region for their outstanding volunteer contributions.
History and Purpose: Launched in 2009, the Volunteer of the Year Award celebrates individuals who have made a significant impact through their volunteer efforts over the past year. In 2013, we introduced the Corporate Volunteer of the Year Award to honor businesses that have supported volunteerism and made a positive impact on non-profit organizations.
2024 Volunteer of the Year Awards Recipients:
Individual Volunteer of the Year Award
Erica Fisher
Throughout the past year, Erica has demonstrated remarkable dedication and commitment to her community through her volunteer work with several important organizations, including:
- Rotary Club of Grande Prairie After Five
- Grande Prairie Public Library Board
- Grande Prairie Pride Society
- Friendship Centre
- City of Grande Prairie
Erica holds numerous impactful leadership roles, such as President-elect of the Rotary Club of Grande Prairie After Five, Vice Chair of the Grande Prairie Public Library Board, President of the Grande Prairie Pride Society, and facilitator of a monthly book club for the library.
Her passion for advocacy is evident in her work supporting underserved populations, fostering cultural diversity, and championing youth, LGBTQ+, and women’s rights. Erica consistently addresses community needs, investing her time and energy to create meaningful change.
Through her leadership, she has created safe and inclusive spaces across Grande Prairie, including a welcoming environment for teens at the Teen Pride Party and a supportive women’s book club. Her efforts as a Rotary leader helped revive RibFest and bring back the Grande Prairie Regional Airshow. Erica’s public information page has also provided vital community access to information in light of Bill C-18.
Her dedication and compassion have made a lasting impact.
Award presented by Servus Credit Union’s Jamie Rigler.
Corporate Volunteer of the Year Award
Liberty Energy
It is with great pride that we present Liberty Energy with the 2024 Corporate Volunteer of the Year Award, in recognition of their exceptional commitment to community service and lasting social impact. While Liberty is known for delivering innovative energy solutions, it is their steadfast dedication to improving the lives of individuals and communities that truly sets them apart.
Liberty has created a workplace culture rooted in giving back, encouraging its employees to volunteer their time and talents for meaningful causes. The company not only provides paid time off for volunteering but also organizes group volunteer opportunities, empowering its team to actively make a difference.
One shining example of this is Liberty’s generous donation to the Grande Prairie Palliative Care Society helped they helped in funding a new children’s play area, coffee bar, and living room furniture. Liberty employees didn’t just stop at the donation—they rolled up their sleeves to assemble and set up the new items, truly demonstrating the company’s hands-on approach to community service.
Liberty’s impact extends beyond local initiatives. The company has been a key supporter of Comeback Yoga, a program offering trauma-informed yoga classes for military personnel. They have also partnered with the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre and other organizations dedicated to social welfare and community development.
On a larger scale, Liberty has joined forces with the Permian Strategic Partnership, pledging $1 million annually to enhance education and healthcare in the Permian Basin. They also offer scholarships to high school students in need and champion environmental sustainability efforts across the board.
Liberty Energy’s unwavering commitment to community service and social good embodies its core values. By fostering a culture of giving back and actively supporting both local and global initiatives, Liberty continues to make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of many.
Award presented by Prairie Mall’s Kristin Schemenauer.
Outstanding Citizen Awards:
Sexsmith & Area Food Bank
This exceptional group of individuals tirelessly gives their time and energy to ensure that families in need are never without food. Their efforts go far beyond the basics, continually improving services with new policies and procedures, and recruiting and training new volunteers to keep up with the growing demand.
Each week, a dedicated team of volunteers fills hampers with essential food items, greeting every client with a smile and a cheerful hello, making sure they feel seen and valued. The Foodbank’s commitment to service is unwavering, and this spirit of care and compassion has allowed them to achieve Charity Status, marking a significant milestone in their ongoing growth.
As the holiday season approaches, the Foodbank is gearing up for its most ambitious project yet—the annual Christmas Hamper initiative. This enormous undertaking involves packing hundreds of hampers with love and thoughtfulness, ensuring that each family receives a box filled with warmth and sustenance. The attention to detail and the time invested in making sure every hamper is perfect has become a hallmark of the Foodbank’s holiday efforts.
The Sexsmith and Area Foodbank truly exemplifies the meaning of community champions. The Town of Sexsmith and surrounding areas are immensely grateful to have such a dedicated and caring group of individuals working tirelessly to improve the lives of others.
Bruce Tattrie
Bruce is a dedicated volunteer with the Grande Prairie Stampede, Grande Prairie Airshow, Alberta Winter Games, and the Rotary Club of Grande Prairie. He has served as the head of the executive board for both the Grande Prairie Stampede and the revived Grande Prairie Airshow, which returned after a 19-year hiatus.
Bruce leads and guides large groups of volunteers, dedicating his time, energy, and personal resources to ensure successful events. His efforts benefit the community, such as directing Airshow profits toward expanding facilities at D-Coy Armories for Cadets and assisting over 20 families from Ukraine in their transition to life in Grande Prairie.
In addition to his main roles, Bruce also volunteers at the Alberta Winter Games, hosts exchange students, and supports various Rotary BBQs and community functions, managing logistics at the Rotary campground.
Walter (Walt) Salter
Walter “Walt” Salter, was a man whose unwavering dedication to the Grande Prairie community made a lasting impact.
Walt devoted countless hours to volunteer work, contributing to over 360 casino events, 2,650 bingo nights, and more than 60 Red Cross donor clinics. He was also a regular blood donor, always giving to those in need.
In addition, Walt was deeply involved in youth sports, coaching, refereeing, and supporting local programs in hockey, basketball, swimming, curling, and skating. His efforts helped countless young people build skills, friendships, and memories.
Walt was also a kind and generous neighbor in Swanavon, always ready to lend a hand—whether it was mowing lawns, shoveling snow, or helping with everyday tasks.
Though we lost Walt on September 8, 2024, his legacy of selflessness and kindness lives on in our community. Today, we remember and celebrate his extraordinary contributions.
Endurance Oseyi Okobia
Endurance’s involvement with the Gay and Lesbian Association of the Peace (GALAP) has had a significant impact on the community by reducing the isolation many individuals feel and encouraging meaningful discussions. His positive outlook and active participation, especially in planning and executing GALAP’s 20th Anniversary Celebration, played a key role in the event’s success. Endurance’s dedication and willingness to engage set him apart, making him a valuable asset to both the organization and the community.
In addition to his work with GALAP, Endurance also volunteers with the Grande Prairie Intercultural Association, Grande Prairie Pride Society, Grande Prairie Friendship Centre, and St. Paul’s United Church.
Richard Nasedkin
Richard has been a passionate advocate for men’s mental health for many years, and his efforts have created a lasting impact in our community.
Richard’s journey began in 2006 when he became inspired by the Men’s Shed model from Australia. Recognizing its potential, he worked tirelessly to bring this concept to Grande Prairie, creating a space where men could connect, share experiences, and support one another. As the founder, Richard took on every role, from managing budgets and applying for grants to overseeing daily operations, including janitorial duties. His hands-on approach and dedication have made the Men’s Shed a thriving and sustainable organization.
Under Richard’s leadership, the Men’s Shed has led numerous volunteer initiatives, such as creating comfort birds for dementia patients, crafting custom signs for Ducks Unlimited Canada, and supporting local organizations like the Talk to Me Society and the Resource Centre for Suicide Prevention. Richard’s commitment goes beyond just managing the Shed; he instills a culture of volunteerism, mentoring, and giving back, making a tangible difference in the lives of those around him.
A powerful example of his impact is the story of Bob, a retired senior who found purpose and friendship at the Shed after struggling with isolation. Through Richard’s work, Bob and many others have found a sense of belonging and support.
Richard’s tireless dedication, leadership, and passion for improving the lives of others make him truly deserving of the Outstanding Citizen Award.
Paul Rovin Ngemital
Transformative change is possible in a community where the dedication of volunteers like Paul strengthens cultural diversity and social inclusion. As a volunteer at Canada In Progress-CPDCI, Paul plays a key role in celebrating and preserving cultural traditions by organizing events and workshops that foster belonging and mutual understanding.
Paul’s impact extends beyond programming, demonstrated by his personal connection with individuals like Marie, a young Francophone newcomer struggling to adapt. At a cultural event, Paul welcomed her, introduced her to community members, and connected her with local resources, easing her transition and fostering a sense of belonging.
In addition to his work at Canada In Progress-CPDCI, Paul volunteers at the local food bank, further exemplifying his dedication to building a supportive, inclusive community.
Congratulations to all award recipients!
Individual Volunteer of the Year Award sponsored by:
Corporate Volunteer of the Year Award sponsored by:
