Mayor’s Gala and Community Recognition Awards Night

Mayor’s Gala and Community Recognition Awards Night

The Mayor’s Gala and Community Recognition Awards Night is a wonderful annual event to demonstrate our appreciation for all those individuals and groups who make our community of Drayton Valley special.

The recipients of the Mayor’s Gala and Community Recognition Awards for 2018 were:

Business Achievement: All Choice Rentals

All Choice Rentals excels in their customer service and shows community engagement by donations to charities, for example to Humans Helping Humans, Drayton Valley and District Chamber of Commerce, Drayton Valley Community Foundation initiatives Kiss the Community and DV100 Ride or Race, Drayton Valley Pro Rodeo, Drayton Valley Triathlon, DV Soccer Association, DV Minor Baseball, Nordic Ski Club, DV Swim Club, and Wildrose School Division.

Their accomplishments were also recognized by the Canadian Rental Association in 2018 with the “National President Image” Award and the “Alberta Rental Store of the Year” Award.

Community Spirit: 100 Women Who Care

100 Women Who Care Drayton Valley is a donation-based organization consisting of women who volunteer in the community. Donations as well as all membership fees received go back to organizations within the community. Since 2016, $72,000.00 have been donated to local groups or organizations with support of Scotiabank. An extensive list of groups that benefited from the work of 100 Women Who Care Drayton Valley includes Cause for Critters, Boys and Girls Club, Aim for Success, Drayton Valley Preschool, Brighter Futures, Shark Park, Scout Guide Hall Association, and HW Pickup Junior High School.

Youth Empowerment: Holy Trinity Academy Social Justice Committee

The members of the Holy Trinity Academy Social Justice Committee commits endless hours of their free time to helps those in need in the community and bring awareness to issues that are close to home and relevant to youth. They work tireless throughout their school year on several volunteer initiatives. Initiatives include the following: Orange Shirt Day to recognize the impact of residential schools; Teens for Trinity which is a food collection fundraiser; a bake sale fundraiser for Hurricane Rescue Dogs; the devote time also to student encouragement for those who struggle with mental health challenges and a fundraiser for Mental Health; the Social Justice Committee also engaged and collected funds for the St Joseph’s Project which is a residential home in Edmonton for homeless men who are in the last stage of terminal illness; at the local Legion they volunteered and raised funds for the Community Supper; they promote the Pink Shirt Day (an anti-bullying awareness campaign); and volunteer with Humans Helping Humans; as well as collect for those in need in our region through the Catholic Services.

Excellence in Athletics: Carla Appleby

Carla Appleby shows excellence in athletics, especially in the fields of running and coaching. She has started running in her 20s on invitation. For several years, she has now been a motivating, dedicated fitness leader and fitness class teacher, encouraging others to follow their goals. Her dedication to fitness is inspiring as she has also completed 4 Ultra Marathons, numerous 30-40 km trails mountain runs, 15 half marathons, and countless other races.

Sustainability: Patty Cake Factory

Patty Cake Factory is a unique, family-run business and offers creative workspace for the community. It is a hub for fine arts and self-expression and inspires creativity with the workshops they offer. The Patty Cake Factory promotes entrepreneurial spirit by repurposing and refinishing unique furniture and décor, and by offering local artisans a venue to display and sell their work.

Recipients of Gala Awards 2009-2017