Ponoka’s Dean Fraser has been recognized by the Government of Alberta for her efforts volunteering for the community. On August 4, she received the Northern Lights award. 

When the pandemic began, Fraser set to work sewing masks to help with the spread of COVID-19 in the community paying for supplies and materials from her own pocket. Eventually, demand grew and she implemented a nominal fee that went towards the local food bank. In total, she donated $4,250 to a local food bank which amounted to 425 masks sewn by hand. 

In an effort to help Ponoka residents cope with the isolation and boredom that came with the pandemic, Fraser  also launched a public puzzle station. Ponoka residents could take and leave puzzles as they used them. 

Fraser worked tirelessly to address the needs of her community on her own terms with her own resources. 

LacombeOnline reached out to Fraser for interview but she humbly declined the request.