Red Deer’s most extraordinary citizens were recognized at the Mayor’s Recognition Awards on Thursday night.
The awards, which are open to anyone who lives in or contributes to our community, honour citizens who have made contributions to the community or brought honour and recognition to Red Deer.
Mayor Ken Johnston said one of his absolute favourite things about Red Deer is the spirit, generosity and commitment to volunteerism of its citizens.
“Our community is full of people who go above and beyond every day to make the lives of others better and to make Red Deer the amazing place it is to live. Alongside my council colleagues, it is my honour to acknowledge and recognize these deserving individuals and groups who build our community,” Johnston said.
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Red Deerians honoured with Mayor’s Recognition Awards
This year the Mayor’s Special Award – the highest recognition given by the City of Red Deer — was presented to two individuals:
• Brian Crawford who demonstrated exceptional bravery, courage and compassion when he assisted the victims of a tragic multi-vehicle traffic accident – one that he himself was involved in. Not only did Crawford help to save the lives of others involved, but he also comforted and assisted victims as they awaited for help to arrive.
• Val Jensen’s passion for Red Deer runs deep, leading the charge on many programs, events and initiatives focused on getting people moving and active – especially kids. Just to name a few examples, Jensen has been involved with include Dance Magic, Woody’s Triathlon, 2019 Canada Winter Games Red Deer is Ready Rally, PCN Fun Run, and the Bower Community Association.
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A total of 26 groups, individual and teams were also honoured in the following award categories:
• Athletics — Red Deer Ringette U10 Rush team.
• Distinguished Voluntary Service — Glenn Allen, Steven Carter, Rhonda Derouin, Elaine Findlay, Audrey Gauthier, Tina Mah, Carol Oleksow, Ken Ott, Christopher Rogers, Kathy Saunders, Ron Soehn, Ken Vis, Alison Wigelsworth, and Good Deeds.
• Community Builder — Shirley Hocken, Alexis Holmgren, Dick Huddleston and Jerry Tennant, Alex Ivanenko, Lending Cupboard Volunteers, National Pickleball Organizing Committee, Period Promise Pilot Project, Greg Thompson, (Nana) Monique Trottier, Youth Peace Camps.
Award recipients are selected by the Mayor’s Recognition Awards Committee, with the exception of the Mayor’s Special Award recipient, which is selected by the mayor.
Typically, nominees are considered for an award only in the year immediately following the year in which the achievement occurred; however, as this year’s awards encompass two years, nominees were considered for an award for two years following the year in which the achievement occurred.
For more information about the 2022 recipients visit www.reddeer.ca/MRA
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