Staff, youth, and friends of the Heartland Youth Centre gathered together on March 18 to recognize volunteers who have served Stettler’s venerable institution.
“The awards night was excellent,” said centre executive director Winnie Bissett, in a recent interview.
“There were lots of recipients.”
Officially known as the Volunteer Recognition Night, eight different awards were presented to both adults and youth in the community who support the centre.
A past youth member of the centre, Jodi Bell, also shared her story detailing the skills and experience she gained at the centre and “how it helped in her adult life,” according to Bissett.
One notable award presented was to Donna Gendre, who received the Marg Forrester Memorial Award.
According to Bissett, Gendre has been a mentor at the facility since the facility opened under the Big Brothers, Big Sisters banner in 1983.
Another notable award presented was the Heartland Youth Centre Hall of Fame Award, which went to Amanda Nelson.
Nelson was a youth at the centre, and in adulthood has served on the centre’s board and even has become board president!
In conjunction with the recognition night, the youth centre board also hosted its annual general meeting.
In total, around 75 people were in attendance.