Stettler joined communities across the nation last week in recognizing the contributions of volunteers.
Mayor Dick Richards was on hand at a luncheon Thursday at the Stettler Legion Hall to proclaim April 21 to 27 as Volunteer Week.
“This is what makes Stettler such a special place, is its volunteers,” Richards said.
He thanked the volunteers and urged fellow citizens to recognize “the crucial role volunteers play in the community.”
Stettler Hospital and Care Centre volunteer resources coordinator Gail Benjamin said her group has partnered with the Stettler FCSS — represented by Stephanie Hadley — for the past four years to organize the event to formally thank local volunteers.
Longtime hospital volunteer Betty Carlson was among those saluted for volunteer acts.
Eleven community volunteers or groups received the Shining Star Award — to acknowledge “outstanding volunteerism in Stettler and district.”
Carlson, an active hospital volunteer for 35 years, believes volunteering is rewarding.
“I enjoyed every minute of it,” Carlson said. “You get so much out of volunteering — more than you put in.”
Carlson helped with breast screening, flu shots and blood-donor clinics, along with the music festival and meals on wheels.
She said helping others “brings great satisfaction” and a “thank you or smile of appreciation” was reward enough.
Others receiving the award were Claire Brown, Pauline Christian, John DeMos, Stan Eichhorn, Dorothy Hebert, Maggie Mackenzie, Norma Nims, Kyla Steinwand, the Superfluity council and Pat Woods.
Hadley said each has made an outstanding contribution to the community.
The award, in its third year, is sponsored by the Stettler FCSS.
The Superfluity group showcases volunteerism at its finest.
The organization and its main street thrift shop supports multiple community causes. It’s operated entirely by volunteers.
The afternoon recognition featured “Volunteer Olympics,” a skills competition that showed “volunteering can be fun.”
Stettler FCCS and Heartland Youth Centre volunteers each won two events, while Alberta Health Services volunteers captured one event.
Stettler is “rich in resources and rich in volunteer resources,” said Red Deer’s Lynn Gray, manager of volunteer resources for Alberta Health Services’ central zone.
“Volunteers cast a beautiful shadow.”