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2025 Volunteer Appreciation BBQ

Last Thursday, August 21, the sun was shining on Moonshine Lake Provincial Park as Saddle Hills County hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation BBQ. Volunteers, along with their families, supporters, and community members, gathered to enjoy a delicious steak supper provided by Albert’s Catering. The event celebrated the outstanding contributions of this year’s nominated volunteers, with heartfelt words and recognition shared in their honor.

Saddle Hills County added an extra touch of excitement to the evening by offering three door prizes for all attendees. Everyone had the chance to enter the draw, and at the end of the event, three lucky names were drawn, each walking away with a prize and a big smile! 

The Albert's hosted a wonderful steak dinner, complete with their famous homemade donuts for dessert—a true community favorite! Neighbors gathered to share a delicious meal and great conversation. We are incredibly grateful to the Alberts for their hospitality and continued service to the community.

Each year, the County reaches out to the community to nominate exceptional individual volunteers to receive awards and recognition at this annual event. This year 17 volunteers were recognized, Denise van Rootselaar, Kyla Dahms, Diamond Curtis, April Thomi, Mary Knoblauch, Jenn van Rootselaar, Doreen Hunt, Judy Smith, Karen Potrebenko, Melissa Mueher, Ryan Connolly, Lynne Muehrer, Micky Muehrer, Mona Klingbell, Shirley Wurm, Garry Wurm, and Darryl Bates. 

Below outlines a little bit about each of the volunteers, in the words of their nominator:

Nominated by: Cotillion Butte Recreation Association

Darryl Bates

‘Darryl Bates was our volunteer foreman for the building of the new Cotillion Hall. Darryl has spent many hours meeting with engineers, contractors, and utility companies. ordering supplies, picking up supplies, phone consultations and has travelled many miles over the last two years overseeing the building of the new hall. He has been tireless and there on a moments notice to take care of any arising issues that came along. The beautiful hall will be a lasting testimony to the hard work Darryl has put in to take it to completion. We will love and use the hall for many years to come.'

Nominated by: Jenn van Rootselaar

Denise van Rootselaar

'Denise has volunteered on many boards over many years now for the Woking area. She is always willing to lend a hand to help better her community. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Woking Multiplex Association board and is an invaluable asset to both the multiplex and Woking.'

Nominated by: Jenn van Rootselaar

Kyla Dahms

'Kyla has volunteered to be on the board of the Woking Multiplex Association since its inception and has taken on the role of treasurer over the past couple of years, which is a huge time commitment. Kyla is always the first to volunteer when something needs to get done, and she has become an indispensable board member, as well as community member.'

Nominated by: Jenn van Rootselaar

Diamond Curtis

‘Diamond has volunteered to be on the board of the Woking Multiplex Association this past year. She is a great addition to the board. She has a positive attitude and will happily help where needed. The multiplex and Woking have both greatly benefitted from her volunteer efforts.'

Nominated by: Jenn van Rootselaar

April Thomi

‘April has been on the Woking Multiplex Association board since inception as well. Over the years, she has spearheaded the annual fundraiser dinners and has always done a fantastic job. The multiplex and the community of Woking are lucky to have her."

Nominated by: Denise van Rootselaar

Mary Knoblauch

‘Mary is one of our most dedicated, invaluable volunteers in all aspects of our community and a leading influence in the beautification of our hamlet. She believes strongly in living a life in service of her community and has been leading by example for decades. She also extends the generosity of her time at her Church and the Central Peace Hospital Auxiliary. Her impact truly has no bounds.'

Nominated by: Denise van Rootselaar

Jenn VanRootselaar

‘Jenn VanRootselaar has been a leading force for the Woking Multiplex Association. Her level of commitment, perseverance, and tenacity has been integral to the success of several projects, including the creation of the Woking Fitness Centre, and the Association as a whole.'

Nominated by: Denise van Rootselaar

Doreen Hunt

‘Doreen Hunt has been a tireless volunteer for the Woking Willing Workers for many years. She is one of the hardest workers and is always ready and willing to lend a hand.'

Nominated by: Denise van Rootselaar

Judy Smith

‘Judy Smith is such a positive and energetic force who is willing to step up wherever needed. Very humble with a great sense of humour, and she is a boss when it comes to fundraising, in particular gift donations; a skill that is not for the fate of heart and she does it with ease and kindness.'

Nominated by: Denise van Rootselaar

Mona Klingbell

‘Mona Klingbell loves to volunteer wherever she can. Her kind, upbeat, enthusiastic attitude makes her an amazing asset for both the other volunteers and the guests whom attend our events.'

Nominated by: Denise van Rootselaar

Karen Potrebenko

‘Karen Potrebenko is always ready and willing to lend a hand. She is very hard-working and reliable, easy to get along with, and has endless energy.'

Nominated by: Denise van Rootselaar

Melissa Muehrer & Ryan Connolly

‘Melissa Muehrer & Ryan Connolly are amazing volunteers who always step up and help whenever they're called upon. Their positive, energetic attitudes make them a pleasure to work with. Their community spirit really shines through.'

Nominated by: Denise van Rootselaar

Lynn Muehrer

‘Lynn Muehrer is an exceptional volunteer. She has put in endless hours at the Westmark Hall, and she always shows up when we need her at the Woking Community Hall. She is a true leader and driving force in our communities.'

Nominated by: Denise van Rootselaar

Shirley Wurm & Garry Wurm

‘Shirley Wurm & Garry Wurm have been instrumental in the beautification of the Woking Hamlet. They are avid volunteers who can often be found in the Day Use Park or the entrance areas of the hamlet fixing this or that, tending to the flowers. They are an invaluable asset to our community.'

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