The Stettler Information and Referral Centre was recently asked by the province to help out with a new commemorative medal to be issued by the government.
In honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s 70th anniversary on the throne, the Platinum Jubilee medal program was started to recognize 7,000 Albertans who have made “significant contributions to the province.”
According to Lorraine Hankins, the director of the Stettler Information and Referral Centre, the organization was offered five of the medals in August 2022 to be awarded in the Stettler area.
“We were honoured to participate in this event and sent in five nominations to Edmonton for review,” said Hankins.
All five nominations were accepted, and thanks to some funding from the province to celebrate the International Day of the Volunteer, which took place on Dec. 5, the awards were presented in a small ceremony on Dec. 6.
Receiving the awards were Bonnie Ireland, Bernie Jackson, Malcolm Fischer, Winnie Bissett, and Faye Blakely.
Ireland received the award for her work in adult learning in Stettler, as well as her ongoing volunteer work.
Jackson received the award for her community support, volunteerism, and focus on “community well-being.”
Fischer, a former town councillor, was honoured for his town council work, his efforts at preserving Stettler’s history, and his volunteering and leadership.
Bissett received the award for her three decades-plus of work at the Heartland Youth Centre, work with the Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Boys and Girls Club.
Finally, Blakely was presented the award for her “outstanding work with Stettler Family and Community Support Services” over 25 years.
