Two Ponoka businesses have breathed new life into the Leaders of Tomorrow program, which was on the verge of collapse.
For the last 18 years, Encana Corporation has been the main sponsor of Ponoka’s Leaders of Tomorrow program, which aims to recognize Ponoka youths that volunteer their time to better Ponoka. Since Encana pulled its operations recently from Ponoka, the program’s future was uncertain, explained committee chairperson Leanne Brusegard. “We were looking at not being able to run it next year.”
Rather than see the program end, two Ponoka businesses stepped up for a five year commitment to see the Leaders of Tomorrow continue; Rowland, Parker and Associates and Sirrs Law Group LLP joined forces and committed the money needed to see the program thrive.
Brusegard was ecstatic when she heard the news. “We are so lucky.”
“It’s a good cause and I’ve known a few kids that got it (Leaders of Tomorrow award). It was a very positive experience in their life,” said Gord Parker of Rowland, Parker and Associates.
“We wanted some continuity with it for sure,” he added.
Richard Gregory, of SIRRS Law Group, said both businesses have similar philosophies of giving back to the community and this seemed a perfect fit. For Miles Cymbaluk, also of SIRRS, the program hits close to home. His daughter was once a recipient of a similar award in Leduc. He said he had seen the benefits of the program.
The Leaders of Tomorrow awards day is expected sometime in April, 2015.