A volunteer often seen behind the scenes helping out whenever and wherever she can, was a nominee for the Women of Excellence awards.
Melodie Helm was one of 19 women nominated, and 10 ladies were recognized in 11 categories at the sixth annual awards gala held at the Sheraton Centre in Red Deer, June 12.
Helm said it was an honor and a surprise to be nominated, adding she enjoyed the ceremony and listening to the speeches of the winners.
“The ladies spoke so eloquently and the meal was wonderful.”
Helm, who moved to Ponoka 23 years ago with husband Dan, said the community was a wonderful place to raise her two children. Now a grandma, she is pleased to be living in Ponoka.
“There is lots of things going on and lots of good people who live here. We chose to live in a small town and I’m glad we did.”
Three years ago, inspired by a friend who needed cornea transplants, Helm began the bionic golf tournament held at Gull Lake Par 3 Golf Course with her friend, Murray McRae. Proceeds of the tournament go to HOPE (Human Organ Procurement and Exchange Program).
Helm said such a program is important in Alberta, which has a low number of organ donors.
As well as getting the golf tournament off the ground, Helm has given back to her community in many ways.
She has received national recognition from Welcome Wagon and in 2005, received the Rita Scott Volunteer Award in recognition of her spirit of volunteerism.
Her award of excellence bio states she is often not the project head, the president or the person whose name is in the lights, but she is the person who works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the job is done.
The winners of the community building award were Robin Armitage and Shirley Challoner, both from Red Deer. Other nominees in that category included Shannon Nivens and Michelle Weinberger.
The Red Deer & District Community Foundation Women of Excellence awards recognize women who display leadership qualities, provide inspiration and demonstrate vision and excellence in the category in which she is nominated.