Volunteers of all ages will have their time to shine as three groups search for dedicated volunteers in the community for special recognition.
Plans are underway to identify volunteers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in Ponoka to receive the Morna Chorney Heart and Soul Award, the Rita Scott Volunteer Award and the Leaders of Tomorrow award, which celebrates volunteerism among Ponoka youths.
Janice Mackie, organizer of the Morna Chorney award committee said anyone 60 years or older is eligible for this award. She said past recipients have dedicated not only to the community, but to facilities like hospitals and other community events.
“We’re looking for that overall volunteer commitment,” said Mackie.
Town and county residents are also eligible for the award, which is marking its 10th anniversary. Forms can be found on the Town of Ponoka website, churches, at Family and Community Support Services and at the Ponoka Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury and at the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre.
Mackie said she is excited to see the nominees and if a person feels more than one volunteer is eligible, she advises to nominate them both. If they are not picked, Mackie said not to be disheartened because they are eligible for next year’s award. Submission deadline is Monday, March 14.
The deadline for the Rita Scott Volunteer Award is the same time but the eligibility requirements extend to individuals and groups within the town and county of Ponoka. Also anyone 18 or older is eligible, says organizer Leanne Brusegard.
Submission forms can also be found at the same places as the Morna Chorney award, said Brusegard, but she advises people get permission from their nominees as many of them are quite humble. “The winners are very humble, but very appreciative.”
She added that the Chorney family, the award sponsors, have been to every award celebration.
Leaders of Tomorrow
With help from Sirrs Law Group and Rowland, Parker and Associates, the Leaders of Tomorrow awards, celebrating volunteerism among youth will continue this year.
Brusegard said this year is a big one for the leaders award, which celebrates its 20th anniversary.
“It’s really important to recognize our youth in our community for their contributions,” said Brusegard of the award.
Not only does being nominated bring confidence to youths, it also can benefit their chances at certain scholarships, said Brusegard.
Nomination categories are: Elementary (Kindergarten to Grade 6), Junior (grades 7 to 9), Senior (grades 10 to 12).
Deadline for the nominations are fast approaching and must be handed in by Friday Feb. 26. Nomination packages can be found at http://ponokaleadersoftomorrow.weebly.com/.