Nine outstanding Albertans have been recognized at the 2020 Stars of Alberta Awards and a woman from Didsbury is among the honourees.  

Joyce McCoy was presented with one of two adult awards handed out in the Stars of Alberta Awards which coincide with International Volunteer Day, a global initiative established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985.  Two youth, two senior, and three awards in the breaking barriers category were also given out. 

According to Alberta Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism, and Status of Women Leela Sharon Aheer, the awards honour the brightest and best community leaders and advocates and celebrate the passion of volunteers who give their time and talent to a wide range of projects, causes and organizations to make a better life for Albertans.

McCoy was recognized for her passion for the community of Didsbury and her belief that volunteer community service plays an important role in making a great community even better.

Her volunteer contributions would exhaust most people.  She has helped the Kinsmen/Kinettes to raise funds for playgrounds, a new pool, and waterslide, a curling rink, park and senior's affordable housing.  She has volunteered with 4-H, gone on school field trips, supported Didsbury's young figure skaters, helped the Mountain View Senior's Housing Foundation, and many more organizations.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, McCoy has supported the Mountainview Colts of the Heritage Junior Hockey League as their COVID-19 Communication Manager and Social Media Manager.

The list of McCoy's efforts in the community goes on and on and you can read about them all HERE. 

The Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards program started in 2000 and since then, 136 Alberta volunteers have been honoured with an award.  

The awards program is part of the government’s efforts to recognize the invaluable contributions Albertans are making to their communities. Volunteer recognition programs encourage a sustained commitment to civic participation and inspire others to make volunteering a central part of their lives.

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.ca COVID-19.