Candace Maruk was honoured last week as Stettler’s female citizen of the year.
The presentation was made last Thursday during the Stettler Regional Board of Trade awards dinner.
“It’s a pretty big surprise for me to win,” said Maruk, who moved from Hanna more than 10 years ago to pursue a career and lives in Stettler with her husband Steve Maruk with their son Gage, three years old.
“I’m very shocked to get this, but it’s an honour.”
Her nomination for this award includes a mention that “Candace is walking proof that no good deed is ever too small”.
“You don’t have to be rich, you don’t have to be grand in your gestures, but every effort in your community is noticed and appreciated,” said her nominator.
For her 31st birthday, Candace challenged herself, her family and her friends to perform 31 acts of random kindness and Gage was also involved.
The results were random acts of kindness over Alberta and British Columbia. These acts included taking a basket of children’s activities to the hospital emergency waiting room.
Gage filled candy machines at Walmart with quarters and walked away, leaving a pre-paid surprise for the next child.
Candace has spread her kindness throughout our community and extended it outward.
This year, Candace and her cousin adopted two High River flood victim families to support while also aiding her family when personal tragedy struck.
Candace and her cousin canvassed for funds to purchase needed items for the flooded families.
Her support assisted the processes of rebuilding their lives.
Each Christmas, Candace also adopts a local family.
She offers assistance with groceries and gifts and directly helps another family celebrate a memorable Christmas.