Stars of Alberta Recipients - 2009
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Stars of Alberta Recipients, 2009 |
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Stars of Alberta Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Krishan C. Joshee, C. M. |
YOUTH CATEGORY
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Zaheed Damani, CalgaryZaheed Damani is an inspiring young leader who believes that good philanthropy in civil society is the basic principle for peace, prosperity and human progress in life. He is a member of several councils and committees covering topics ranging from health, community, civic engagement and service to leadership development, arts and culture, and sustainability. At the municipal level, Zaheed has participated in a number of different initiatives including TELUS Calgary Community Board, Child and Youth Friendly Calgary, the Mayors Youth Advisory Council and many others. Zaheed is also actively involved as a member of the Ministry of Children’s Services Youth Advisory Panel. He had an opportunity to table his thoughts on Alberta’s current youth homelessness issues, recruitment and retention strategies for adult (male) mentors, the Alberta Gang Crime Reduction Strategy and Alberta Education’s new health curriculum. Nominated by: Marilyn Milavsky, TELUS Community Board |
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James Frobb, HannaJames Frobb is a shining example of what youth can accomplish when given the opportunity to give back to their community. Being from the small town of Hanna has not stopped James from exploring a variety of experiences locally, nationally and internationally. Currently a student at the University of Alberta, he is a member of the Minister of Education’s Student Advisory Council (MSAC), bringing his input on the future of education in the province. In this capacity, he will be returning to his high school to hold a forum in order to receive rural students’ perspective on education, and bring his findings back to the MSAC. James took it upon himself to chair the very first Relay for Life (Canadian Cancer Society) in Hanna, which after many hours of hard work, proved to be a very successful event that brought the community together. This past August, James volunteered as a Youth Leader at the Alberta Youth Entrepreneurship Camp in Southern Alberta for the third time, and was awarded with the “Outstanding Youth Leader Award 2009.” He also received the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award, which was presented by His Royal Highness, The Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward at a ceremony in Calgary in June 2009. Nominated by: Rolande Aitken, community member |
ADULT CATEGORY
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Jann Beeston, HannaJann Beeston is a visionary whose commitment to creating and sustaining strong and vibrant rural community through volunteerism is highly commendable. Jann’s leadership in the non-profit sector is a direct result of her 30 years of volunteering in Alberta. She has served on boards for numerous organizations in Hanna and Alberta-wide. With her involvement, organizations and individual volunteers in Hanna have experienced an evolution of improved efficiency. Jann thrives in developing resiliency, independence and a “can do” approach that fosters success and a constant drive towards positive outcomes. She currently serves as a chair for the Hanna Volunteer Association. In addition, Ms. Beeston was also appointed to and participates in the Alberta Non-Profit Voluntary Sector Initiative (ANVSI) Collaboration Committee. Jann was also appointed to Rural Alberta’s Development Fund Board, which gave her an opportunity to advance rural development through promotion of and support for engaged citizenship. Nominated by: Carol Aubee-Girard, Community Learning Network |
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Brian O’Leary, CalgaryBrian O’Leary’s passion, ongoing dedication and commitment to helping those experiencing homelessness are his volunteering focus. His many volunteer commitments reflect his passion for serving those less fortunate and helping alleviate poverty in his community. Mr. O’Leary’s work with Feed the Hungry, Habitat for Humanity, the Calgary Homeless Foundation, Calgary Community Land Trust, United Way and the 2007 Alberta Affordable Housing Task Force provides aid to the community in many forms. His work on the front line with Feed the Hungry and Project Homeless Connect provides the basic necessities to those in need. The community has been changed for the better with Brian O’Leary as a volunteer, and he continues to inspire those around him to get involved, to end homelessness and to alleviate poverty in the community. Nominated by: Tim Richter, Calgary Homeless Foundation |
SENIOR CATEGORY
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Lorne and Phyllis Anderson, Stony PlainA dynamic retired couple, Lorne and Phyllis Anderson are the foundation of the volunteer program in Continuing Care at WestView Health Centre. Without their dedication, the residents would miss out on countless opportunities for enjoyment and increased quality of life. The relationships they have with residents are so important. They bring fun and distraction while they push wheelchairs, dance, laugh and share their smiles. The Andersons have supported many residents as some journey through the end stages of life or adapt to the progression of a disabling disease. They know the residents and can detect what each may need. The Andersons’ beautiful garden is often part of the Stony Plain Horticultural tour held each summer. Residents of WestView look forward to a field trip to the Anderson’s to enjoy the beauty of their care and to savour delicious home-made pies in their back yard. Whether it’s Farmers’ Days, Valentines Day, Beach Day, Halloween or other special days, the Andersons always have hand in the planning. Nominated by: Sharon Cornelius, WestView Health Centre |
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Tessie Oliva, EdmontonTessie Oliva is a well-respected leader in the Filipino community and in the larger multicultural community in Alberta. This respect comes from her untiring work in mobilizing social supports within those communities. Ms. Oliva was a pioneer for all immigrant people in Alberta in 1970s by founding the Filipino Nurses Association of Alberta (FNAA), the first of its kind in the country. For many years, the FNAA was the only organization that supported immigrant Filipino nurses and helped them to adjust to their new workplace and homeland. It was through Tessie’s leadership that this organization advocated to address barriers experienced by internationally educated nurses trying to gain licensure in Alberta. Ms. Oliva later became a founding member and a president of the Multicultural Coalition for Equity in Health in Edmonton and served as President of the Council of Edmonton Filipino Association for which she is still an advisor. Tessie is also currently a board member of the Edmonton Heritage Festival Association. Nominated by: Janna Strudwick, Multicultural Coalition |
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
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Krishan C. Joshee, C.M.A remarkable visionary and recipient of the Order of Canada, Krishan Joshee has greatly helped shape the volunteer spirit of Alberta. He has always championed those most in need of government and community support, and in doing so is highly respected as one of Alberta’s truly great ambassadors - provincially, nationally and internationally. He is a founding member of the Mahatma Gandhi Canadian Foundation for World Peace, and served as a chair of the foundation’s advisory council for many years. He was also a founding member of the Edmonton Heritage Festival. Along with other numerous appointments, Mr. Joshee served as the Chairman of the Alberta Gaming Commission and the former Wild Rose Foundation, as well as a member of the Edmonton Police Commission and the Canadian Commission on Race Relations. Through all of his work, Mr. Joshee continues to be a model for commitment to community and engaged citizenship. He has left an indelible mark on his community and the province of Alberta. Nominated by: Dr. Zaheer Lakhani, community member |
