One of Stettler community’s backbones, the Heartland Youth Centre (HYC), hosted its annual general meeting (AGM) and volunteer appreciation awards night on Monday evening, March 20.
After the brief AGM, the evening kickstarted with some presentations, followed by the awards. This year the award recipients were as follows.
Corporate Cares – Alberta Prairie Steam Tours; Stettler Veterinary Clinic
Benny Green Memorial “Whistle While You Work” – Josh Tyhy
Marg Forrester Memorial – Stephanie Hadley
Nicole Blumhagen Memorial – Brianna Tyhy and Tia Fitzpatrick
HYC Hall of Fame award – Ken Bissett
Speaking about the achievements of the past year, Winnie Bissett, executive director of HYC said, “There have been many areas to be proud of this past year – one being, despite tough economic times, HYC has been able to meet its funding goals due to the incredible support from the community and other funding sources.
A program highlight for this past year has been the formation of the Community Boys’ Group through Stettler Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS).
“The group has been very active and the program has received great support from the business community,” Bissett said.
The group was founded by Christel Shuckburgh, mentoring coordinator of Stettler BBBS.
“We have a huge need for male mentors,” Shuckburgh said. “And with a long waiting list it is hard to see the boys looking forward to spending some time with their to-be mentors. So I thought of the community club, which gives these boys some fun activities to engage in.”
One of the Big Sisters, Stephanie Hadley won the Marg Forrester Memorial award.
“Stephanie is an amazing, generous, giving and caring woman,” Bissett said. “She has helped out HYC in every possible way. She started as an in-school mentor and transitioned from there into a Big Sister.”
Hadley has led Boys and Girls Club art programs, is an HYC Board member and has led board development workshops, besides volunteering at the HYC’s Awesome Auction, participating in Bowl for Kids and being a tremendous advocate for the HYC.
“There are just so many great things that Stephanie does in the community,” Bissett said.
HYC holds two annual fundraisers – Bowl for Kids and the Awesome Auction – funds from which go directly into operating costs of the HYC.
Bissett added since this is the 25th year of Awesome Auction, HYC will be returning to the original Maritimes theme and having an East Coast Kitchen Party.
Tickets are now on sale for the event, which is being held on Saturday, June 3 at the Stettler Community Hall.
The Awesome Auction includes a steak and lobster dinner, silent and live auction and a dance.
Dirt Road Music DJ services will be providing the tunes for the evening.
HYC is now accepting donations of new items for the event, please contact Winnie at HYC if you would like to donate or purchase tickets.