NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER 2023

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The Grande Prairie Regional Association of Volunteer Organizations is a membership organization for the civic sector in the Northwest Peace Region, serving charitable and non-profit community organizations in the City and County of Grande Prairie and beyond.  Our member agencies and clients represent a broad region. They range from; small rural agricultural groups to large agencies providing services to families and individuals in distress, through to indigenous agencies, cultural agencies, sports groups, and more.

Lest We Forget

Dating back for generations I come from a family that wears uniforms. They fight/fought in wars; they keep the peace, nurse the sick, stand for the accused, protect children, arrest the ‘bad guys’, protect human rights and believe in the value of our Canada. 

Growing up there was always the expectation of ‘service to others’. Pretty sure we are related to just about every RCMP officer in Canada and of my five siblings, three were military and one RCMP.  

However, the cost can be immense: One of my brothers gave his mental health and normalcy in two war zones as a member of the Canadian Army providing service as a “peace keeper” in both the Croatia-Serbia and Afghanistan conflicts. He passed away the week before Remembrance Day three years ago. In the words of my father “He gave up his life for his Country a long time ago.” The reality was his life was never the same when he came back from those wars.

As the legacy of service continued in our family, my daughter proudly followed in her uncle's footsteps by joining the military. Other people see her as determined, strong, and resilient. To me she is simply my baby girl. And it’s scary to have your baby in an active war zone.

As part of our commitment to NATO, she is one of our Canadian soldiers deployed overseas. She has been deployed before, but this deployment has been different. 

The first thing difference that happened was the LETTER. A few months after she deployed I received a letter from her Commanding Officer, advising that she was in good hands, well protected, doing what they needed to do. All the things that intellectually you know are true, but you do have to keep reminding yourself that it is so. It became so much more real, with the letter.

The next thing was the PHONE CALL: Having just come out of the hospital (another story) I was getting a number of calls on my phone for follow up appointments from numbers that I didn’t recognize. So when the phone rang and a number popped up I answered it. To hear this is “-------- Military Family Support”. And my heart stopped! I instinctively knew she wasn’t dead: there wasn’t a black car in my driveway, but. 

“Is she hurt?” I pretty much hurtled that question into the phone. 

“No, no,” says the person on the other end of the line. “I’m calling to see how you are doing.”     

“Well, I will be fine as soon as I sit down.” Yes this has been a very different deployment.

In the midst of the uncertainty and the challenges that come with having a loved one deployed overseas, I am reminded of the enduring strength of not only my own family's commitment to service, but those of the hundreds of other families who continue to stand strong for this Nation, Our Canada, strong and free. We honor the sacrifices made by generations before us and those still serving today. As I await my daughter's safe return, I hold onto the hope that one day, we can live in a world where such sacrifices are no longer necessary. Until then, we carry on the legacy of service and remember those who have given so much. Lest We Forget.

Carol-Anne

Invitation to the International Volunteer Day Celebration Breakfast featuring the 2023 Volunteer Awards

In 1985, the United Nations General Assembly established International Volunteer Day (IVD) to commemorate the contributions and dedication of volunteers worldwide. Today, IVD is celebrated globally on December 5 by volunteers, voluntary organizations and all those who benefit directly from the endless help of a volunteer.

To celebrate International Volunteer Day (IVD), the City of Grande Prairie and the Grande Prairie Regional Association of Volunteer Organizations (GP-RAVO) cordially invite volunteers, community organizations and community members who value and support volunteerism to attend the International Volunteer Day Celebration Breakfast featuring the 2023 Volunteer Awards on December 5, 2023, at the Golden Age Centre. Doors open at 7:00 a.m.

The Rotary Club of Grande Prairie Barbeque Crew prepares and provides the breakfast. Tim Hortons and Safeway donate coffee and juice, respectively.

As a part of the celebration, the City of GP & GP-RAVO will present the following Volunteer Awards:

The City of Grande Prairie will present:

• The George Repka Outstanding Achievement Award - This award recognizes individuals who have made a major contribution in the areas of recreation, culture, or social services to the community.
• The Bill Bowes Volunteer Organization Of The Year Award - This award recognizes volunteer organizations or foundations in Grande Prairie that have provided outstanding contributions to the community through meritorious service, voluntary contributions and exemplary community development having a direct, positive effect on residents of the City of Grande Prairie.

GP-RAVO will present:

• The 2023 Volunteer of the Year Awards - These awards recognize an individual and organization that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to volunteerism over the past 12 months. The Servus Credit Union sponsors the Individual Volunteer of the Year Award, and the Prairie Mall sponsors the Corporate Volunteer of the Year. Included with the Volunteer of the Year Awards is the Outstanding Citizens of the Year Awards recognizing individuals, groups and businesses who have improved the quality of life in the community through volunteer work.
• The Leaders of Tomorrow Awards – These awards recognize exceptional young leaders, in two age categories: Junior (13-15 years) and Senior (16-18 years), in Grande Prairie and the surrounding area. Recipients demonstrate dedication and excellence in their volunteer work fields (e.g. school, community, social activism, athletics, or arts) and inspire the spirit of volunteerism in others. This year's Leaders of Tomorrow Awards is sponsored by International Paper. 

There is no cost to attend this event due to the generous support of our sponsors.



GP-RAVO would like to thank International Paper, Rotary Club of GP BBQ Crew, Prairie Mall, Servus Credit Union, Tim Hortons, Safeway, Costco, and all those who donated door prizes to support this event.

The Alberta Ministry of Arts, Culture and Status of Women has launched a new non-profit web tool to help Alberta’s vast network of non-profits and charitable organizations find resources to support organizations build capacity.

Learn more at https://www.alberta.ca/grants-funding-and-supports-for-non-profits. 

GP-RAVO was honoured to receive the Diversity & Inclusion Award of Distinction at the 2023 Small Business Week Chamber Awards presented by the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce.

We were also finalist for the Leading Edge Award and Small Business of the Year w/ Ten or More Employees Awards.

Thank you to the Chamber of Commerce and Award Sponsors for this recognition. Congratulations to all award recipients, finalists and nominees.

For more information on this year's Small Business Week and the Chamber Awards of Distinction visit grandeprairiechamber.com/sbw/.

World AIDS Day - December 1

Women's Brain Health Day - December 2

International Day of Persons with Disabilities - December 3

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women - December 6

Human Rights Day - December 10

Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster - December 11

Anti-Bullying Day - December 17

"We are not a melting pot, but a mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams." - Jimmy Carter

My name is Maria, I am from Ecuador and I came to Canada 4 years ago. I had the opportunity to be part of GP Regional Association of Volunteer Organizations and it has been a great experience. As a newcomer, I can say that the Association welcomes and supports people with different perspectives and backgrounds, giving you the opportunity to learn from each other. I have felt involved in everything in the organization making me feel that I belong to a place where my opinions are important.

I want to share some important facts about Diversity and Inclusion and how it can help to the productivity of your organization.

What is Diversity & Inclusion?

Diversity and inclusion are two words that are usually used together, but they have different meanings. 

Why Diversity & Inclusion?

• Diversity and Inclusion promote equality and respect for all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, making the work place a nice and safe environment.
• Organizations can tap into full range of talent and perspectives that exist among their members, increasing the productivity of their staff.
• Diversity and Inclusion lead to increased innovations and creativity, when people from different backgrounds and perspectives work together, they bring a wide range of ideas and perspectives to the table helping the efficiency of problem-solving.

The Alberta Healthy Living Program (AHLP) offers free workshops to help adults better manage their chronic conditions. Monthly workshops are offered virtually (by Zoom) to all those living in Northern Alberta. Visit www.healthylivingprogram.ca for more information and to register.

Ten Benefits of Corporate Volunteering

Ten benefits of corporate volunteering:

1. Employee Engagement and Satisfaction: Corporate volunteering can enhance employee engagement and satisfaction by providing opportunities for employees to connect with their communities and feel a sense of purpose. Engaged employees are generally more motivated and productive.
2. Team Building: Volunteer activities can foster teamwork and collaboration among employees, leading to better working relationships within the organization.
3. Skill Development: Employees can develop new skills and gain valuable experiences through volunteering, which may benefit their professional growth and career development.
4. Improved Company Reputation: Corporate volunteering can enhance a company's reputation, demonstrating its commitment to social responsibility and community involvement. A positive reputation can attract possible customers, partners, and potential employees.
5. Networking Opportunities: Employees may have the chance to network with other professionals and community leaders while volunteering, potentially opening doors to new business opportunities or partnerships.
6. Enhanced Brand Loyalty: Customers and clients often view companies that support charitable causes more positively, which can lead to increased brand loyalty and support.
7. Tax Benefits: In some regions, companies may receive tax benefits or deductions for contributions to charitable organizations or for supporting employee volunteering.
8. Personal Growth: Employees may experience personal growth and increased job satisfaction from contributing to causes they are passionate about.
9. Positive Impact on Communities: The primary beneficiaries of corporate volunteering are the communities and organizations receiving support, which can lead to positive social and environmental impacts.
10. Talent Attraction and Retention: Corporate volunteering programs can attract potential job candidates and help retain existing talent. Employees may choose to stay with companies that support their values and interests.



Overall, corporate volunteering can be a win-win for both employees and the organizations they work for, as it contributes to personal and professional development while making a positive difference in the community and society at large.

Volunteers of the Week receive a $5 Gift Card & Travel Mug from Tim Hortons! They are also entered into our Volunteer of the Month Draw!

The winner of September’s Volunteer of the Month draw is Thérèse Chauvin!

Thérèse was nominated for Volunteers of the Week by Meals on Wheels! They wrote ‘Thérèse is a truly lovely lady. She always has a smiling and positive disposition. We really appreciate the good work that you are doing. Believe us, as we let you know that we feel very blessed to have you. Thank you!’

Congratulations Thérèse!

The winner of October’s Volunteer of the Month draw is Barbara London!

Barbara was nominated for Volunteers of the Week by Sexsmith FCSS! They wrote ‘Barbara London is a familiar face in the volunteer community of Sexsmith. Barbara London has recently retired from St. Mary’s School in Sexsmith where she taught and volunteered for many years. Barbara is always volunteering where she is needed. Barbara sat on the FCSS Board for many years helping the community grow and ensuring events were perfect. We would like to say thank you for all you do for our community.’

Congratulations Barbara!

The Grande Prairie Regional Association of Volunteer Organizations would like to thank Tim Hortons for continuing their sponsorship of our Volunteer Recognition programs.

Tim Hortons Volunteers of the Week recognizes volunteers who contribute to communities in the Grande Prairie Region. Volunteers can be nominated by anyone, whether they volunteer regularly or occasionally.

To thank your volunteer, fill out the form at https://www.volunteergrandeprairie.com/tim-hortons.../.

The Association acknowledges the homeland of the many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Metis people whose ancestors have walked this land since time immemorial. I am grateful to work, live and learn on the traditional territory of Treaty 8.

Disclaimer of Liability: This newsletter contains links to third-party service provider websites. Grande Prairie Regional Association of Volunteer Organizations is not responsible and assumes no liability for the content or materials available on any linked third-party sites.