The 2020 Mayor’s Recognition Awards were presented virtually to 41 individuals and teams.
Two groups received Mayor’s Special Awards: The 2019 Canada Winter Games volunteers and the Central Alberta Refugee Effort’s translation and interpretation program.
“The Mayor’s Special Award is the highest possible recognition from The City of Red Deer.” Chosen by Mayor Tara Veer, these individuals have demonstrated exceptional achievement, humanitarianism or an act of heroism or bravery.
As with many celebrations over the past 16 months, the 2020 Mayor’s Recognition Awards had to go virtual to avoid COVID transmissions in the community.
While the awards were already delivered to the recipients, the city is posting the honourees names and stories online to ensure all recipients receive the recognition they deserve.
The Mayor’s Recognition Awards recognize individuals, groups or teams who have brought honour and recognition to Red Deer in one of five categories. Forty-one individuals and teams were recognized.
For Athletics: Breanna Beck, Cole Bergheim, Mark Bush, Valerie Ho, Jared Howse, Hailey Jackson, Tyler Larson, Jeremiah Lauzon, Thomasina Payne and Marissa Richards.
For Community Builder: Carroll Borg, Cheryl Cooney, Brenda Garrett, Richard Huddleston, Debbie Langvand, Red Deer Citizens on Patrol Volunteers, Red Deer Festival of Trees, Rotary Sunrise’s Access for All Barrier-free Playscape, Safe Communities Coalition Central Alberta, Lisa-Spencer-Cook.
For Distinguished Voluntary Service: Diane Assinger, Eileen Bantjes, Barbara Breau, Della Deminchuk, Lisa Herder, Joe Hittel, Marilyn Howard, Gerry Johnston, Charlotte Maffenbeier, Noreen Odell, Michelle Parker, Anita Pimm, Gloria Ross, Ralph Seland, Rita Schoenberger, Jan Sirrs and Shirley Thomas.
For Fine and Performing Arts: Fanatullen Folk Society and the Red Deer Royals Concert and Marching Show Band.
Award recipients were chosen by the Mayor’s Recognition Awards Selection Committee — with the exception of the Mayor’s Special Award recipient(s), selected by the Mayor.
Visit www.reddeer.ca/mra to view all of the award recipients’ achievements and their “heartwarming stories.”