Yesterday (August 28), Banff-Airdrie MP Blake Richards was in town to recognize a number of Airdronians with Canada 150 Medals.

The award was meant to recognize outstanding volunteers and community builders.

"A community like ours doesn't just happen by accident," said Richards. "It happens because so many people give of their time, give selflessly of their money."

Richards explained the awards were meant as a way to commemorate the significant milestone Canada has reached.

"I thought, what better way then to look at the people who have helped to make the country the great country that it is: The people who volunteer in the community."

Richards said those recognized exemplify what makes Airdrie such a great community, and joked that he was glad it wasn't his job to select among the nominees. 

"I was pleased to be able to create these awards and be able to offer it, but we did have a committee of people from across the riding that we asked to do this job, to choose winners. I saw the nominees, and I gotta tell you, to have pared it down to thirty winners would have been incredibly difficult."

In a small ceremony in the Rotary Room at Genesis Place, Richards handed out 16 medals to Airdronians of all ages for the work they do. 

Zoe Winn was one of two recipients of the Youth Award, along with Chelan Frances Lee. Winn was recognized for her ongoing advocacy for Operation Christmas Child, and shared her feelings on receiving the award.

"It feels really cool to be recognized by somebody so high and to get such an award. It's so honouring."

Mackenzie Murphy received the award for her work raising awareness around mental health and bullying. She said while she was honoured by the award, she hoped it could also help others.

"There's so many voices that need to be heard, and mine isn't the only one. I hope that when I accept these things, other youth can see that and speak up about their story, cause they're very important to hear about."

David Maffitt, who works with Volunteer Airdrie and a number of Airdrie sports teams, said the award was a great bonus to the work he gets to do in the community.

"I've been privileged to work with a bunch of organizations, and I really think that it's really because of that opportunity with Airdrie Minor Basketball, with the Winter Games, with Volunteer Airdrie, it's given me that opportunity to help out."

Jim McPhee received an award posthumously, which was accepted on his behalf by his wife Nancy and son Stephen. Other honorees were Michelle Bates, Giovanna Carabella, Al Jones, Cam Clark, Sherry Shaw-Froggatt, Chris Gourlie, Stan Grad, Mary West, Shawnee Hoffman, Larry Konschuk, and Ed Liukatis.