Stettler's venerable BGC HYC, the former Heartland Youth Centre, held its annual general meeting and volunteer recognition and awards night on March 17.
Around 30 people were in attendance for the meeting, which began at 7 p.m.
The meeting began with a financial review. Treasurer Ruby MacDonell noted that 2024 resulted in an approximately $20,000 shortfall for the youth agency; however, due to a solid 2023, the organization was able to absorb the deficit.
Board Chair Amanda Nelson then began the reports; the first report she gave was on the recent Bowl for Kids. Nelson noted that while the final tally of donations was not yet complete, it was potentially "one of our best years yet."
Other successes Nelson highlighted included the Awesome Auction, which is coming up again in June with the theme of "Boots and Bling," and the Landlord of the Month program.
During her report, BGC HYC Stettler Executive Director Winnie Bissette noted that there is a misconception in the community that the agency is heavily subsidized by the province. In reality, the agency receives around 13 per cent of its funding from government sources.
Other revenue streams for the agency include:
- fundraisers throughout the year, at 26 per cent,
- operating grants, at 35 per cent,
- investment income, at eight per cent,
- corporate and general donations, at seven per cent,
- fees, at seven per cent,
- and other sources at four per cent.
In 2024, the agency's net revenue was just over $446,600.
Bissette noted that in 2024, the agency had to go through the BGC Peer Review process to maintain the centre's accreditation with that program.
"It was a bit of a stressful time," said Bissettte, noting that there were 127 different check marks to attain.
Following Bissette's presentation, the Torch Club and Keystone Club gave presentations on their programs, followed by a talk by Keystone alumni Brandi Page.
Once Page was done speaking, it was time for the awards portion of the evening.
The first award to be presented was the Pauline Christian Memorial Community Service Scholarship, presented by Perry Christian and Carol Nixon of the Rotary Club of Stettler to August Roenspies.
Next up was the Corporate/Community Cares Appreciation Award, which was presented to Travis Randell and a colleague of Stettler Kal Tire, a top fundraising organization for the agency.
The third award to be presented was Kalysta's Kindness Award, which was presented to Lexi Hunt and Anderson Brown.
Fourth up was the Benny Green Memorial "Whistle While You Work" Award presented to Addison Grams and Kai Pickersgill.
Fifth up, Mentoring Coordinator Christel Shuckburgh presented the Marg Forrester Memorial Award to Fred Joynes, "a real friend to HYC."
The sixth award to be presented was the Nicole Blumhagen Memorial Award, presented to siblings Chantel and Shaun Green for their volunteer service to the centre.
A final youth award presented was the Lloyd's Leaders Award, presented to Trinity Chapman and Zayna Kromm in recognition of outstanding leadership.
The final award of the evening was the HYC Hall of Fame Award, presented to Gord Lawlor. Lawlor was presented with the award for three decades of volunteerism at the youth centre, having at different times served as a board member and in other volunteer positions, including the boys' group, which he has been part of since 2018.
"Gord is one of the advocates in the community," said Shuckburgh.
Once the meeting and awards wrapped up, those in attendance were invited to remain for coffee and snacks.
