By Rachael Harder

Nominations open now for Community Builders Volunteer Medals

May 5, 2017 | 10:53 AM

LETHBRIDGE – Last week was National Volunteer Week, a week where we recognize the amazing work being done by those who give of their time and resources to advance our community.

Permit me to start off by extending a huge thank-you to everyone who volunteers in the city or county of Lethbridge! Whether you volunteer for a local sports team, help at a shelter or food bank, or donate your time to one of the many cultural, religious, agricultural, or service organizations in our community, the Lethbridge constituency wouldn’t be the same without you!

One of the many reasons I am proud to call Lethbridge my home is the tremendous spirit of community-building we share. Instead of relying on government programs and expecting others to do the work, countless individuals in our community have stepped up, taken ownership and decided to be part of making the Lethbridge area a healthier, more vibrant, place to live.

Roughly 44 percent of Canadians volunteer their time, totaling two billion hours each year, or the equivalent of one million full-time jobs. This selfless sharing of skills, abilities and experiences by citizens is invaluable to the functioning of our society. It not only enriches the lives of people in our community, but also contributes to innovative and sustainable growth.

This is why, in honour of Canada’s 150th birthday, I will be awarding the Community Builders Volunteer Medal to outstanding volunteers and organizations throughout the Lethbridge constituency. These awards are about recognizing the extraordinary contributions made by individuals, not-for-profit organizations and businesses to enhance our community.  

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The awards will be presented in four categories:

Youth Leader: an individual under the age of 18 who has contributed to making our community a better place through volunteerism.
Community Leader: an individual over the age of 18 who has made significant contributions to the community through volunteerism.
Not-for-Profit Leader: a local not-for-profit organization that addresses social challenges in innovative ways.
Business Leader: a local business that exemplifies what it means to give back to the community. 

Each major community in the constituency will be granted its own set of awards: Barons, Coaldale, Coalhurst, Diamond City, Lethbridge, Monarch, Nobleford, Picture Butte and Shaughnessy. I understand that nominees may not live directly in one of these areas, so please select the community to which the person’s residence, business or not-for-profit is closest.

Nominations are now open! Please take a moment to commend an individual or organization for their selfless contributions to our community. To access the short nomination form, please go to my website, www.rachaelharder.ca or stop by my office at 255 8 Street, S. Nominations must be received by June 16th, 2017. If you have any further questions, please contact my office at (403) 320-0070.

The winners will be decided this summer and medals will be awarded at a ceremony in the fall.