Blackfalds resident Robyn Devine recognized for exceptional volunteer work

“I was actually really surprised because when people ask me what I do for volunteer work, I don’t really think that I do that much. But when I was there and saw it all being laid out I was thinking I actually do do a lot,” she told rdnewsNOW.

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Volunteering has become a way of life for Devine, who has made an impact on her community in many ways.

“When I was younger, I had a bit of a tough go so I received help from the food bank and those sort of organizations,” she added.

“Now, I’m in a better place and I just like to help, give back, and I get joy out of helping people. It just makes me happy knowing I’m doing a good deed.”

This includes her efforts to combat food insecurity in central Alberta as a board member of the Beyond Food Community Hub.

She’s also volunteered at Town of Blackfalds events but made her most major impact taking a stand for gender equality.

As a part of the staff at the Blackfalds Library she became an advocate for menstrual equity, supplying free feminine products.

She continues that work through the central Alberta chapter of Soroptimist International where she brings awareness to menstrual equity through supporting the United Way of Central Alberta’s Period Promise campaign. As a result, dispensers and free supplies have been put in the washrooms at four schools in Red Deer.

Devine accepts here award from Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Salma Lakhani and minister of Arts, Culture, and the Status of Women, Tanya Fir. (Submitted photo/ Robyn Devine)

Last year, Devine stepped up in support of Power of a Girl, helping organize and host a conference in Red Deer by Soroptimist which provided girls aged 14 to 18 the opportunity to meet professional role models and mentors.

Devine has embraced the Soroptimist club’s commitment to support education for women and girls that will lead to their economic empowerment, and she has stepped up as chair of the Violet Richardson Award program. She has also worked to help promote the club’s Spread Your Wings Award for Indigenous Women, using her creative skills to develop the online application and marketing materials.

In addition, she’s taken a stand against domestic violence supporting the Soroptimist’s “Central Alberta Purple Light Night,” which encourages the community to shine a purple light or wear purple to honour the memory of those lost to domestic violence.

The Stars of Alberta Awards are part of the government’s efforts to recognize and encourage Albertans to support community initiatives and the non-profit sector. The awards began in 2000 and since then have honoured 171 volunteers.