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By Kim Nordbye, Project Manager, Social Prosperity Wood Buffalo
More than two weeks ago we celebrated the 2nd annual Heart of Wood Buffalo Leadership Awards at the Suncor Energy Centre for the Performing Arts at Holy Trinity High School. Seems like the event was just yesterday with the buzz that is still in the air and people talking about how much they enjoyed the evening.
It is wonderful to hear that the event was appreciated and enjoyed but what still gives me goose bumps is the incredible pride and passion I hear in people’s voices when they talk about the award winners.
The winners announced on June 6 include:
- Christine Burton, Social Prosperity Leadership Award, presented by Social Prosperity Wood Buffalo and sponsored by the Fort McMurray and District Labour Council
- Alejandro (Alex) Bosch Sanchez, Volunteer Recognition Award in honour of Bill Bloomfield, presented by Volunteer Wood Buffalo
- Dan Fouts (Northern Lights Health Foundation), Board Leadership Award, presented by Leadership Wood Buffalo
- Jill Sporidis (Wood Buffalo Primary Care Network), Executive Leadership Award, presented Nonprofit Sector Link Wood Buffalo
- Fort McMurray Food Bank, Community Impact Award, presented by the United Way of Fort McMurray and sponsored by TOTAL E&P Canada
And, the inaugural Newcomer Engagement Award in memory of Lyle Leboldus, presented by the Fort McMurray Food Bank Association and sponsored by H. Wilson Industries Ltd., went to Lyle’s daughter Jeanette.
In addition to receiving a beautiful, hand crafted award sculpture, the award winners each received a $5,000 cash prize to be donated to the Wood Buffalo nonprofit community organization of their choice. So as a result, the Wood Buffalo Artists Forum, the Northern Lights Health Foundation, the Wood Buffalo Chapter of the Canadian Cancer Society, the Fort McMurray Food Bank Association and the United Way of Fort McMurray all received unexpected donations.
Organizing these awards was one of the most inspiring projects I’ve worked on in a long time. I was honoured to work with our incredible nonprofit partners, sponsors, volunteers and organizing committee. I learned so much from emcee Russell Thomas who was such an important part of the event’s success. And there is the event keynote speaker, Ian Hill. Every moment I spend with Ian motivates me to be a better person. His words on June 6 left a mark on all of us and I hope it is a mark that leads to action and engagement in our community. And, what a wonderful moment when Ian took the opportunity that presented itself to create an RESP for one of our youngest guests in the audience, Tanika. That moment could change her life and we are grateful to all those who came forward to contribute. We raised more than $2,000 for Tanika!
The Heart of Wood Buffalo Leadership Awards celebrated excellence in the nonprofit sector. They honoured the achievements of nonprofit leaders, philanthropists and community organizations that embody the spirit of community innovation, capacity building, leadership and social prosperity. This year we received 42 nominations from which 16 finalists were selected and celebrated. We congratulate the 5 award winners and are inspired by the creation of the inaugural Newcomer Engagement Award in memory of Lyle Leboldus.
So now what? Reflect often on this incredible moment of inspiration and pride and remember these comments from Ian Hill as you plan your today and tomorrow:
“How will you be remembered? Grasp the opportunity!”
“If you believe tomorrow can be better than today and you are committed then in some small way you can make a difference and collectively we can make an impact.”
“I am only one but I am one. I can’t do everything but I can do something. The world is a better place because of individuals who do something. That which I ought to do I will do.”
