The City of Airdrie is looking for nominations for its Volunteer of the Year Awards that will be presented later this spring.  But, they'll only be looking for them for a couple more days.  

The nomination deadline for the annual awards is Monday (January 15) and Kim Harris, Community Developer with the City of Airdrie says they generally receive lots of nominations of lots of deserving people for the awards.

"I think the highest amount we've had is around 29 for those awards and it averages around 12 to 14.  There's so many in Airdrie because we do have a high rate of volunteerism here, I think that you could just walk around the corner and bump into somebody that would meet the criteria for these awards."

Harris says there are four awards that will be presented at a gala at the Bert Church Theatre on May 3rd,  The Leader of Tomorrow Award recognizes an Airdrie youth who has shown leadership through volunteer activities in Airdrie.  Last year the award went to Air Cadet Ryland Kruk. 

The Ambassador Award is given to an Airdrie citizen or business that has made outstanding contributions in promoting Airdrie as a place for community and opportunity through volunteerism and philanthropy.  The award in 2017 was presented to ProPak Systems.

The Volunteer Advocacy Award recognizes a not-for-profit organization, a volunteer-comprised grassroots committee, or a community group that's demonstrated community leadership by encouraging the citizens of Airdrie through volunteerism.  Michelle and Rob Pirzek of the Airdrie Festival of Lights won the award in 2017.

Harris says the fourth award, Soul of Airdrie, is about more than being a one time volunteer.  "You know this isn't just the volunteer doing one thing a couple of times a year.  This is a really involved volunteer who's been doing it a long time and has worked with several different groups in Airdrie. 

The award criteria calls for an Airdrie citizen who has made an outstanding contribution in the fields of art and culture, athletics, social and community services and/or governance and has demonstrated a passion for helping others.  The award last year was presented to longtime mental health advocate and volunteer Mike Loughman Jr. 

You can visit the city's website here to nominate a deserving volunteer for one of the awards.

Questions, comments or story ideas? Email us at news@discoverairdrie.com