Heartland Youth Centre in Stettler honoured a former longtime supporter with is volunteers and supporters during its annual general meeting and awards presentations Monday night.
The youth centre announced its newest member of the HYC Hall of Fame as the late Jim Mailer, who passed away in July 2011, with the award accepted by his daughter Sheree Mailer, who was delighted with her first visit to the youth centre.
“It’s such an amazing place and important and I see why dad also recognized it that way, too, “ Mailer said.
Jim Mailer was a former longtime board member and bequeathed $30,000 to Heartland Youth Centre in his will.
Several other awards were presented Monday:
From the community, Tim Hortons owner Rene Bernard was named recipient of the Corporate Cares — Business Appreciation Award that recognizes outstanding and long-term support from a business.
“It’s a pleasure to be part of the HYC,” Bernard said.
Many local Heartland Youth Centre children and youth have benefited by going to summer camp supported by the Tim Hortons’ international program.
“We think of HYC as a worthy service and HYC does a good job in the community,” Bernard said.
Named as recipient of the Marg Forrester Memorial Award was Eileen McComish, a longtime in-school mentor for Erskine, to recognize outstanding adult volunteer contribution to HYC programs.
“This is the first time I’ve been recognized with spending time with my friends,” McComish humbly said that drew a supportive “aw” from the audience.
Louise Brozny and Kim Emblau each received the Nicole Blumhagen Memorial Award to recognize outstanding volunteer contribution to the youth centre and community by an HYC club member.
Kyla Steinwand and Kyle Nims were each presented Lloyd’s Leader Awards named in memory of the late Lloyd Smith, who passed away in January 2011 at age 82 and was a mentor and strong supporter of HYC for more than 10 years.
Lloyd’s Leader Awards recognizes outstanding leadership, commitment and effort by an HYC teen.
In the coming calendar, the HYC has two major events celebrate this year with the 30th anniversary of Big Brothers and Big Sisters and 25 years with Girls and Boys Clubs of Stettler.
“We have some big celebrations coming up,” said executive-director Winnie Bissett.
It’s projected to be a financially stable year for HYC, despite some funding cuts from the provincial government, reported treasurer Pauline Christian.
HYC lost about $3,800, partly because the Summer Temporary Employment Program to hire students was suspended.