Volunteer Citizen of the Year Special Awards Winners

May 1, 2010

The 2010 Volunteer Citizen of the Year banquet held Saturday, May 1, celebrated the contributions of five of St. Albert’s most dedicated volunteers. Each of the five chosen finalists received a special award.

Ireen Slater was named St. Albert’s Volunteer Citizen of the Year and she was also awarded the Family and Community Service Award for significant contribution and outstanding achievement as a volunteer in support of family and community initiatives. Ireen is known in St. Albert for founding Stop Abuse in Families and for serving as executive director of that agency. After retiring in 2001, Ireen didn’t stop her social activism or her volunteering ways. She was the founding Chair of the St. Albert Chapter of Seniors United Now (SUN) and served as Vice President, then President and Past President of the SUN Provincial Board.

Don Belke was presented with the Service to Community Award for his significant contribution and outstanding achievement as a volunteer in response to community and social needs. Don is a Board member for Stop Abuse in Families, and serves as the agency’s Treasurer. He is also a volunteer driver for the Canadian Cancer Society and St. Albert Meals on Wheels.

Hu Puffer was awarded the Community Outreach Award for significant contribution and outstanding achievement as a volunteer in advancing our community’s well-being. In the past 20 years Hu has logged 750 rides and more than 2,000 hours of donated driving time to the Cross Cancer Clinic. He also contributes countless hours in many different ways to St. Albert United Church.

Paula Ryan was the winner of the new Community Volunteer Education Award for outstanding dedication and commitment as a volunteer in support of educational programs. Paula is a parent-volunteer in a Grade 2 class and in a kindergarten class at Albert Lacombe School and for the past several years has helped set up art projects for the students.

Pat Wagensveld was presented with the Arts, Culture and Heritage Award for significant contribution and outstanding achievement as a volunteer in the promotion of the arts and cultural heritage in St. Albert. Pat donated many hours of time to the Arts and Heritage Foundation, Profiles Public Art Gallery, St. Albert Economic Development Action Committee and the Downtown Business Association.