Those that go over and above the call of duty in Blackfalds were treated to a family picnic and recognized for their efforts at the annual Volunteer Recognition Celebration last night.
 
Louise Rellis is this year's recipient of the Carol Simpson Volunteer of the Year Award.

She's involved with a lengthy list of organizations, including FCSS, the Blackfalds and Alberta Block Parent programs, Parents of Iron Ridge Intermediate Board, Blackfalds Food Bank, Blackfalds Minor Soccer, and Parent Link.
 
Rellis was humbled by the recognition to say the least.

“It’s awesome that some people think of me, that recognize what I do in the community and actually think that it’s worthy of an award, because that’s not my intention behind it. It’s just to get out in the community, this is where we have chosen to live and this is where we’ve bought our house and it’s where we want to plant our roots in the community, not just in our house”.

When asked why she volunteers, Rellis says she enjoys getting out in the community, she wants to plant firm roots for her family and it's proved to be very rewarding.

“It opens up so many doors and I started volunteering 2 years ago and now I have two part time jobs, casual, flexible hours that came from my volunteering and I can’t advocate enough for it”.

Leaders of Tomorrow winners on the night were Leah Podolas and Regan Benjamin, while Cadence Gordon was recognized with the Dylan Stork Youth Ambassador Award for her efforts to be a great role model.
 
Cadence volunteers with the girls club, and patrolling club for the school cross walks at Iron Ridge Intermediate Campus, and has launched fundraising efforts for the Slave Lake and Fort McMurray wildfires and breast cancer research.