The Town of Cochrane celebrated its volunteers in an intimate and emotional ceremony at the Cochrane Ranche House Sunday.
Forty-five nominees – up from last year’s 28 – were up for 13 awards honouring individuals of all ages, community businesses, volunteer groups and sports clubs.
New on the list of awards this year was the Equity and Inclusion Champion of the Year, which recognizes the efforts of people or groups who strive to further causes of equality.
Melissa Engdahl, chair of the awards committee, said the new award was born after the town signed onto the Canadian Coalition Against Racism and wanted to find ways to recognize efforts toward inclusivity.
There were five diverse nominations for the award including Andrew Barnett, founder of the Bow Valley High School Gay Straight Alliance; Rev. Ray Goodship, who hosts a community lunch open to everyone regardless of economic status or religious belief; Glennis Goodwin, who volunteers her time to mentor new immigrants and help them integrate into the community; and Leah Ronak, who is credited with building bridges between the Holy Spirit School Community School and the neighbouring First Nations community.
“It was an exciting response and showed the committee it was a worthwhile endeavour,” said Engdahl.
Elisa Neven-Pugh was the award’s inaugural winner, which recognized her efforts to help make Cochrane more accessible for people with mobility issues.
“She has been an advocate for people with all mobility concerns and abilities,” he nomination read. “Elisa strives to see this community continue to become accessible for all.”
Neven-Pugh briefly spoke to the crowd after receiving her award and used the moment to share credit and give a shout out to the Bow Valley Bobcats Basketball team. Her passion and enthusiasm drew a standing ovation.
“The award is not just me,” she said. “The award goes to all my fellow champions.
“God bless this community. I love you so much.”
Twelve other recipients were honoured during the afternoon.
Bow Valley High School was recognized for its Building Futures program, which earned it the Education Initiative of the Year.
The program, which combines academic and trade work was credited for its unique style of teaching. Students of the program said it created an environment that created strong familial-like bonds.
The Bow Valley Rugby Club received the Ambassador of the Year award for its strong dedication to showcasing the best of Cochrane to the rest of the province and the nation.
Volunteer group of the year went to the Cochrane Society for Housing Options, which endeavors to assist low-income and moderate-income citizens with affordable housing.
“Not only has the Society been the driving force behind taking action and finding solutions for our community’s affordable housing needs, they have been instrumental in recognizing other opportunities to assist our citizens,” the nomination read.
Cochrane’s Chamber of Commerce president, Bill Popplewell, was named the Community Builder of the year.
A well-known face in Cochrane, Popplewell was credited for his dedication and commitment to the promotion of community business.
“He brings to our Chamber a deep respect for the greater community and along the way has built stability within the business community in a harmonious way. People like Bill are the heartbeat of Cochrane, a place we call home,” his nomination read.
Popplewell accepted his award with humility telling the crowd,” The work isn’t all me, we have 270 great business members … I am proud on behalf of them.”
The Cochrane Movie House, known for hosting various events to help support the community, was recognized for also being this year’s Employer of the year.
In its nomination, the Movie House was described as a place where everyone feels like family.
Working hard to promote and preserve community history, the Cochrane and Historical Archival and Preservation Society (CHAPS) earned the Newsmaker of the Year.
Whether it was installing plaques to recognize historic buildings downtown or using Cochrane’s first hospital building to create the Cochrane Historical Museum at the Historic Cochrane Ranche Site, CHAPS earned its extensive coverage in the news.
Jordan Tilma established himself as this Year’s Youth of the year. The young man is known for his numerous volunteer activities including his involvement in the Mayor’s Council since its inception in 2013.
His nomination described him as someone who “leads with great energy, passion, humour and humility and that his presence as a student leader is felt every day. Jordan’s genuine energy, enthusiasm, positive attitude, leadership abilities and willingness to help out others makes him a strong role model to younger youth and everyone around him.”
Guy’s Café and Bakery, owned by Guy Joudrie, was named Business of the Year. Not only was he recognized for his exceptional customer service and the quality of his food but also his commitment to the community.
“ (He is an) outstanding contributor to the many great organizations in and around Cochrane, weekly bread donations to the Cochrane Activettes, cookie donations to the schools. Thousands of dollars raised and donated to cancer research,” his nomination read.
In his acceptance speech, Joudrie said the award is a testament to his amazing staff and loyal customers.
A dedication to preserving the environment and not letting anything go to waste earned Paul Hewko the title of Pathfinder of the Year.
“What makes Paul’s volunteering special is his commitment to green initiatives. He’s been bringing the three Rs (Reduce Reuse Recycle) to Cochrane Home Treasures as a volunteer for the last 10 years,” his nomination read. “When young people in our community see a senior who is as engaged in improving our waste management as Paul is, they understand that we can each make a difference.”
Stuart Bradley, who needs little introduction, was this year’s Senior of the Year. A prominent personality in Cochrane and indeed to the province, Bradley is well known for his dedication to helping in a myriad of initiatives.
“He has done everything from raising money for good causes, organizing events, auctioneering and announcer. He has set the bar very high in the art of volunteerism. He is truly a model for us all because he makes a difference in this crazy world of ours,” read his nomination.
The Order of Cochrane, the highest honour bestowed upon a citizen by the town, was an emotional announcement.
“I have known these people for 37 years so this is a real treat for me,” said Brooker, who was once again moved to tears as he announced Betty and Denis Goodsell for the award.
Described as staples in the community, Brooker said everyone knows who the Goodsells are and Denis is known as the town’s only true Santa Claus.
“Since moving to Cochrane in 1977, both Betty and Denis have participated in many local services in Cochrane. They were founding members of the Active 20/30 Club. Betty has been a founding member of Cochrane Activettes, Cochrane FCSS and the Cochrane & United Way Partnership Committee which supports local organizations,” their nomination read. “Denis is famous for helping Betty in whatever she takes on … Denis spent countless hours as a volunteer coach. Together, and individually, this couple has contributed significantly to making Cochrane a better place to live.”
In their acceptance speech Denis had a simple reason for everything he has done.
“My motto was always work for the kids,” he said.
Marni Fedeyko, Citizen of the Year, was recognized for her dedication to the community and countless hours spent volunteering and organizing events.
“She goes way above and beyond when it comes to community participation and works in so many different ways to improve Cochrane as a whole,” her nomination read. “She’s a news reporter, community events co-ordinator, member of her community association, fund raiser, poll creator, and advocate of Cochrane and puts in many hours of volunteer work to bring about positive changes.
