The 2024 Passionate Heart Awards have once again come and gone and celebrated numerous individuals and organizations for their contributions to local social services.
The awards aim to recognize people, teams, and businesses that make a difference in their communities by improving quality of life through social service.
A total of nine awards were given to six individuals and three organizations across four categories.
Board Chair of GPCSD Russ Snoble, Robert W. Zahara School Grade three teacher Val Muggaberg, La Glace School Kindergarten Instructor Wilma Pol, Mountain Plains Community Services Society of the North Program Manager Soleil Molloy, and Western Cree Tribal Council Child Youth and Family Enhancement Casework Generalist Mercedes Mwemera, received the Passionate Heart Exceptional Service Award. Boston Pizza Westgate was recognized with the Passionate Heart Exceptional Business Award. The Passionate Heart Exceptional Team Award was given to the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre and the Cairn Housing Society, and the Chris Henderson Lifetime Service Award went to Centerpoint Facilitation Director Tammy Ouellette.
Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton says the Passionate Heart Awards serve as a recognition for the “unsung heroes” in Grande Prairie’s social service industry.
“The City of Grande Prairie extends heartfelt congratulations to the award winners, recognizing their vital contributions to enhancing the well-being and inclusivity of our community for all residents,” she says.
This year’s ceremony was the 18th annual, and nominations for the awards are accepted from early December to mid-January.