Award status:
- 2019 award recipients were announced on October 1, 2019
Overview
The Minister’s Seniors Service Awards (MSSA) recognize exceptional volunteers and outstanding organizations.
Across the province, dedicated Albertans volunteer their time to brighten the lives of seniors and build their communities while countless organizations work tirelessly to provide much-needed supports and services.
Eligibility
Individual category - an individual or couple can be nominated if they:
- are a resident of Alberta of any age
- provide volunteer services to seniors in Alberta
Organization category - an Alberta organization can be nominated if they:
- are not-for-profit
- rely on volunteers to support seniors
Alice Modin Award category - an individual or couple can be nominated if they:
- are 65 years of age or older and have been volunteering in their community for 20 or more years
- actively promote volunteerism amongst seniors
- had a provincial impact on seniors through their volunteer efforts
- are a resident of Alberta
How to nominate
The call for nominations for the 2020 awards will be posted in the winter.
Questions
Email your questions to seniorsinformation@gov.ab.ca
After you apply
The nomination review committee evaluates the submissions and recommends award recipients to the Minister of Seniors and Housing. The minister selects the award recipients.
Award recipients are notified in the summer and honoured at an awards ceremony in the fall.
Award recipients
2019 Alice Modin Award
The Alice Modin Award recognizes an individual Albertan or couple who is 65 years of age or older and has been volunteer in their community for 20 or more years. Their work can actively promote volunteerism among seniors and/or have a provincial impact.
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Margaret Ann Woodward and Margaret Stolk – Hillcrest Mines
Margaret Ann Woodward and Margaret Stolk began their volunteer service at a young age and have continued to give their time for the past 50 years. They have played an instrumental role in organizing the annual turkey supper in Crowsnest Pass, ensuring all seniors in their community are served. They have exemplified leadership and innovation for this and many other community projects such as organizing events, fundraising, making Christmas stockings, and assisting with health and recreational events. They have had a great impact on their community and inspire others to follow their example.
2019 Individual awards
This category recognizes an individual or couple of any age who provide volunteer services to seniors. These volunteer efforts have a great impact, from serving seniors to building communities and support services that improve the lives of many seniors in Alberta.
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Allan Holt – Radway
Allan Holt has made significant contributions to his community for the past 60 years. Allan's commitment to the seniors in his community can be seen through his inspiring legacy of volunteer service. He is a strong advocate for seniors, encourages active living, assists with building maintenance, organizes food delivery, provides transportation services, and assists with special events. Allan is passionate about creating an age-friendly community for seniors to be able to enjoy and fully participate in.
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Darrell Wood – Okotoks
Darrell Wood has served seniors in Okotoks as a volunteer chaplain for over a decade. Darrell is a natural leader whose dedication to providing an individualized balance of emotional and spiritual support to everyone, regardless of denomination, has touched the lives of many in his community. In addition to countess hours of visitations, Darrell also provides church services, bible studies, offers spiritual guidance, and conducts hospital and hospice visits. Darrell keeps residents entertained through ice-cream socials during which he also arranges musical entertainment.
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Georgette Cyr – Legal
Georgette Cyr has served as secretary and treasurer for a number of organizations in Legal, including Club 60 Roses, Volunteer Resources Association, and the Legal Lions Club. Volunteering in her community for 25 years, Georgette provides transportation services by driving seniors to medical appointments, outings, and shopping trips. She also provides a wide range of service for the seniors in her community, coordinating blood donor clinics, serving at pancake breakfasts, fundraising, providing companionship, and assisting with outings and activities.
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Harjit Singh Brar – Calgary
Harjit Singh Brar has selflessly served the seniors of Calgary for the past 27 years. Through his work as Director and Chairperson of the INCA Seniors Citizens Society, Harjit has assisted with annual reports, streamlined accounting and operating procedures, recruited volunteers, and secured funding for the society through donations and grants. Harjit is also committed to educating seniors, assisting seniors to complete applications for provincial and federal benefits, and planning workshops with topics ranging from estate management to elder abuse awareness.
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Leonard Purnell – Cardston
Leonard Purnell is an active community member who has served seniors in Cardston for over 19 years. As President of the Cardston Seniors Society, Leonard welcomes monthly Senior Potluck Dinner and Program attendees and plans Seniors' Week initiatives. He was also responsible for purchasing the first seniors' mini-bus and transporting seniors to various activities. Leonard's dedication to his community is also shown through his fundraising and building efforts for the renovations of the Tanner Senior Centre in Cardston.
2019 Organization awards
This category recognizes Alberta organizations that are not-for-profit and rely on volunteers to support seniors. Organizations are recognized for the positive impact their volunteer services have in supporting seniors, locally or provincially, to help them participate in their communities and stay healthy and engaged.
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Friends of the St. Michael’s Society of Edmonton
Friends of St. Michael's Society of Edmonton is a group of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to provide funding for recreational, social, and wellness activities to ensure the residents of St. Michael's Health Group and seniors in Edmonton have an exceptional level of care. Over the past 30 years, residents of have benefited from the dedication and loyalty of the Friends of St. Michael's Society of Edmonton. In addition to their fundraising efforts, the Society delivers programs and services for seniors in the community.
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Westend Seniors Activity Centre
Westend Seniors Activity Centre is a community-based hub for seniors that relies on a dedicated team of volunteers who provide services, programs, information, and activities to support the healthy and active aging of seniors. The Centre helps seniors in Edmonton remain active by providing social, educational, and volunteer opportunities, as well as special events, entertainment, meals, and outreach.
Past recipients
2018 recipients
Alice Modin Award
- Gregory Steiner – Calgary
Individuals and organizations
- Bill Chrapko – Edmonton
- Bill Wulff – Drumheller
- Della Robertson – Cochrane
- Dolores Dercach – Sundre
- Jim Swift – Calgary
- Waqar Manzoor – Chestermere
- Fairview and Area Seniors Check-In Line Society – Fairview
- The Lending Cupboard Society of Alberta – Red Deer
2017 recipients
Alice Modin Award
- Karen Nordgaard – Bragg Creek
Individuals and organizations
- Jeanette Engblom – Winfield
- John and Mabel Baxter – Whitecourt
- Lena McKenzie – Calgary
- Sewa Singh Premi – Calgary
- Wendy Lickacz – Edmonton
- Drayton Valley Health Care Auxiliary
- Calgary Chinese Elderly Citizens Association
2016 recipients
Individuals and organizations
- Alaire Oberg – Galahad
- Bernie Andersen – Falun
- Mary Coleman – Boyle
- Niab Singh Sandhu – Calgary
- Alden Bradley – Jasper
- South East Edmonton Seniors Association
- Fort Saskatchewan Special Transportation Society
- Vegreville Senior Citizens Sunshine Club
Contact
To connect with Alberta Seniors and Housing Community Initiatives, email: seniorsinformation@gov.ab.ca