13 standouts will receive Community Spirit Awards in October
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on September 8, 2023.
https://www.medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews Community Spirit Awards will be given to 13 recipients at a ceremony in mid-October. The biannual awards will be presented at a reception on Oct. 18 at the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre. The “Heart of Medicine Hat” award winner is longtime local Make-a-Wish co-ordinator Donna Serr. The “change maker” award goes to Karen Saffran, a member of the Southeast Alberta Watershed Alliance and Praxis science outreach effort. The civic pride award will be presented to Willy and Cindy Taillon, the founding organizers of the Rise-Up hot air balloon festival. Porchfest organizer Robert Pape is honoured in arts and culture, and Kirsten Sept, a volunteer with Special Olympics, for community inclusion. The compassion award is jointly awarded to two nominees. “Moms Stop the Harm” leader Kym Porter is an advocate for greater help to those suffering addiction issues. George Kovalev helped create the Hat Helps Ukraine initiative to resettle families from the European war zone. The Sports and Recreation award will go to fencers James and Coreen Sheardown. Volunteers Brenda Taylor, Kendra Albrecht and Terry Noble are also honoured. “The Community Spirit Awards symbolize the heartbeat of Medicine Hat, honouring the unsung heroes who tirelessly work behind the scenes, elevating our collective spirit,” said city Coun. Allison Knodel, the councillor responsible for civic functions. The awards are presented every two years to individuals and groups which enhance the quality of life in Medicine Hat in award categories. Nominations were evaluated by the city council’s community vibrancy committee. 13-12
