By rdnewsNOW staff

Local volunteers receive national honour

Oct 16, 2018 | 10:20 AM

A trio of central Albertans are among 31 to receive a national honour for their volunteer work.

Ralph Westwood and Sandra Young of Red Deer and Stephanie Miller of Innisfail were recognized with a Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers during a ceremony at the Federal Building in Edmonton on Sunday.

The ceremony was hosted by Lois E. Mitchell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta and the Honourable Robert E. Wanner, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

The Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, described as the highest award for volunteers presented in Canada, recognizes the exceptional volunteer achievements of Canadians from across the country in a wide range of fields. The award also pays tribute to the dedication and commitment of volunteers while acknowledging their achievements in the community.

Westwood, a former nurse and hospital administrator, is passionate about helping others and giving back to his community. For five years, he led the Tri-Community Health and Wellness Foundation as its chair, helping to raise money for the Westview Health Centre and community wellness programs in Parkland County, Spruce Grove and Stony Plain.

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Young has been a regular weekly volunteer at the Red Deer Hospice since 2012, readily taking on any task sent her way with a pleasant, kind and helpful manner. She has played a key role in organizing hospice events, helping to ensure patients in palliative care have peace, comfort and dignity in their final days.

Miller has been volunteering with the Innisfail and District Historical Village for more than 15 years and has been an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion for the past 10 years. She also volunteers at her local parish, driving its members to church and to medical appointments.