Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards – Recipients

Mohammad Maarefi

Nominated by:  Lauren Riley, Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta Society

Volunteerism is about building community and, for Mohammad Maarefi, it means building from the ground up.

Volunteerism has been a part of Mohammad’s life since the fifth grade when he stepped up to serve on Annie Foote School’s patrol team. More than helping to ensure the safety of his classmates, Mohammad saw his volunteerism as an opportunity to serve as a role model for younger students. Now, 10 years later, Mohammad has taken that same attitude and approach to his volunteerism as an engineering student at the University of Calgary.

In 2023, Mohammad joined Project90, a Student Union club providing students with the opportunity to participate in hands-on design projects in support of non-profit organizations. As president and later vice-president of finance, Mohammad helped to co-ordinate the participation of students in various design projects. He also worked to line up new projects and took on a range of administrative “behind the scenes” tasks from storage of materials to ensuring proper insurance coverage.

In his time with Project90, Mohammad has volunteered on a range of initiatives. Grow Calgary is a Calgary area community farm that grows produce to supply Calgarians experiencing food insecurity and provides education to support small-scale farming operations. Project90 approached the organization and offered to build a drip irrigation system to support its operations. Mohammad and his team of volunteer engineers joined forces to design, build and implement the system, which has helped Grow Calgary water crops more effectively while reducing water usage. With the system working to perfection, Mohammad and his Project90 colleagues supported the non-profit by planting crops and working the land, ultimately having a direct impact toward community members and local food programs.

Mohammad has also connected with Habitat for Humanity’s Southern Alberta affiliate, looking for opportunities for Project90 to support the organization’s mission of building affordable housing as a way to help families build strength, stability and independence through home ownership. Mohammad worked to create the “Campus Chapter” of Habitat for Humanity’s Southern Alberta affiliate with the help of the Project90 team after having brought many students to volunteer at the construction site, which strengthened their partnership.

That partnership has proven to be a very successful one because Project90 has helped to support many Habitat builds, with student volunteers assisting in many facets of construction – from framing to drywall to painting. With Project90’s assistance, Habitat has turned over the keys to four deserving families at its Livingstone Duplex project. Habitat and the volunteers of Project90 have been working together on the Livingston 24 project, which will see the completion of 24 homes and the beginning of a better life for 24 families.

Mohammad’s contributions have had a far-reaching impact on the project. Not only has he volunteered on-site, but managed the numerous details associated with Project90’s participation on the build – from arranging transportation to ensuring volunteers have completed necessary orientation. And when he is not swinging a hammer or working the phones, Mohammad has worked to further Habitat’s mission within the community, assisting with information sessions as part of the recruitment of new partners for an upcoming Airdrie project and helping to promote the organization to prospective volunteers and donors.

Mohammad is helping to instill in his Project90 colleagues and others the same desire to give back to the community by creating opportunities and leading by example – by being that same role model he hoped to be as a fifth-grader helping his schoolmates to cross the street. For his long service and commitment to volunteerism, Mohammad Maarefi shines as an Alberta Volunteer Star.

Jasmine Parhar

Nominated by: Lauren Wan-Sai-Cheong, Distress Centre Calgary

“When it is darkest, we can see the stars.”

The words of Ralph Waldo Emmerson speak of hope in times of trial, but they could just as easily be written to describe how Jasmine Parhar has impacted the lives of teens and adults in crisis and improved the well-being of her fellow volunteers.

Jasmine began with Distress Centre Calgary in 2022 as a ConnecTeen volunteer, responding to calls from teens; however, she has since expanded her volunteer commitment to include adult crisis line responder, leadership volunteer and coach. Already, Jasmine has dedicated over 800 hours as a volunteer crisis line responder – amassing 374 hours in 2024 alone – providing genuine kindness and empathy to Distress Centre service users. With a natural, conversational manner and non-judgmental, thoughtful attitude, Jasmine is there when they need her most, walking with them through each experience, moving from crisis to calm. Callers and online chatters have expressed how they feel genuinely supported by Jasmine as a responder, yet she continues to develop her mentorship style so that she is better able to coach and support new crisis line responders.

Recognizing the challenges of isolation faced by ConnecTeen volunteers, Jasmine has demonstrated remarkable initiative by co-founding the Volunteer Wellness Committee. With Jasmine taking a lead, the committee has incorporated a range of team-building activities, including card game competitions, wellness posters, social media posts and award ceremonies that inspire volunteers to actively engage and create a positive environment and further recognize their good work. Her efforts have been transformative, helping to ensure the centre is more wellness-focused and affecting positive change in the broader culture of the organization. Jasmine’s appreciation of the contributions of her wellness committee colleagues has helped her to become a more effective leader, helping to build a cohesive, supportive team where members all equally contribute to the projects and events all focused on improving the well-being of youth crisis line volunteers.

As one who once struggled with building connections and relationships, today Jasmine has overcome challenges in her own life, showing her resilience and commitment to growth. She now uses that experience to inform her daily interactions with her fellow ConnecTeen volunteers and crisis line callers, incorporating inclusiveness and empathy to help create a community of care.

“When it is darkest, we can see the stars.” In darkness and in light – that is when volunteer Star Jasmine Parhar shines brightest.

Holly Hashimi

Nominated by: Nyssa Papertzian

Holly Hashimi has a heart for her community of Fort McMurray, particularly young people living in the northern Alberta city. So, it makes sense that this passion would spark her own involvement as a volunteer – and a non-profit – dedicated to helping girls navigate the difficult pre- and early-teen years on the way to adulthood.

With a vision of building the kind of program she herself might have benefited from as a child – a program and environment where personal growth and friendships could flourish and where kids could build confidence, learn how to overcome challenges like bullying and better understand the importance of a healthy body image and feeling good about being who they are, HeartSpark was born in September 2023.

HeartSpark began with a group of six girls who met at once a week to engage in a range of creative activities; take part in field trips designed to promote mental health and wellness, and, following Holly’s example, participate in volunteer activities. HeartSpark quickly grew to 17 and then 27, with Holly taking on both the program delivery and administrative tasks: finding guest speakers to attend meetings, organizing and supervising field trips and volunteering with the kids, providing coaching and mentorship to the girls and connecting with parents and caregivers. It is the feedback from these parents and caregivers that has demonstrated most vividly the impact of HeartSpark in the community.

“A light back in my baby’s eyes” are the words from one parent who went on to say, “She was bursting with excitement… wanting to tell us all about the night, and the new friends she made – and all about Holly.”

Holly also fundraises extensively for HeartSpark - she is gaining a following in her community for the beautiful Friendship Bracelets she makes and sells with all profits going back into the organization, in addition to a wide range of other fundraising activities that help keep programming free.

The success of Holly’s early efforts led to her incorporating HeartSpark as a non-profit earlier this year. As she continues to sit on the board as president, one might think that HeartSpark was more than enough to satisfy Holly’s appetite for volunteering.

Well, one might be surprised!

Holly has previously been a Big Sister and facilitator with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wood Buffalo where she had the opportunity to meet many great youth in the community. She has also assisted Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta with fundraising and volunteering.

A member of Pets and Wellness Society Wood Buffalo (PAWS) since 2014, an organization providing pet therapy to community members. As a member of PAWS since 2014, she understands the importance of the relationship between mental health and animals. She has incorporated her love of dogs to enrich the community through pet therapy visits that she has undertaken since 2014. She has had three of her dogs enrolled in the program since joining. Holly has found a way to integrate pet therapy into HeartSpark sessions, having her dog Mrs. Pudding (also a member of PAWS) in attendance, where she provides stress and comedic relief for the kids. Participants say Mrs. Pudding is one of their favourite parts of HeartSpark.

It’s not just youth that Holly aims to help in her community - she joined The Menopause Mission (TMM) out of Edmonton in the hopes of bringing more awareness and education about issues women face as they enter this stage of their life. She has been on the board since this spring and has assisted with putting on two TMM conferences and has hosted several Coffee & Conversation events in Fort McMurray. She plans to bring a TMM conference to her area in the coming year.

Finally, Holly has become a dedicated volunteer in support of Fort McMurray’s Victim Services after her own experience as a victim of a violent crime. Along with advocating on behalf of the unit, Holly has been an on-call volunteer for several years, offering support to victims and family members dealing with the trauma of crime or other tragic circumstances.

Holly Hashimi is contributing the time and talents that is giving new meaning to Fort McMurray’s motto of “We have the energy.” Perhaps it is that energy that makes this volunteer star shine bright.

Alex Halat

Nominated by: Chantelle de Jonge, MLA

If life was like the NHL, Alex Halat would be a shoo-in for the “Biggest Heart” Trophy as Most Valuable Volunteer.

Alex’s commitment to community service is equalled only by his love of sport and, in merging his two passions, this volunteer Star from Chestermere has created a powerful force for good that has swept far beyond the borders of his hometown.

In 2012, Alex signed on as one of the primary organizers for a hockey fundraiser in support of the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation. Twelve years later, with a few Guinness Book of World Records for the world’s longest hockey game and more than $5.5 million dollars raised, the Hockey Marathon for Kids continues to be one of the foundation’s most important campaigns.

Beyond his enormous contributions in support of the foundation’s efforts to advance pediatric cancer research and care, Alex’s leadership has brought together a community and inspired Albertans from across the province to step up as volunteers and donors.

Alex has played an integral role in almost every facet of the Hockey Marathon for Kids – from logistics to lacing up the blades and hitting the ice as captain of Team Hope, joining many of the players he worked to recruit for the 262 grueling hours of non stop, end-to-end hockey action. And when he is not nailing down event sponsorships or handling one of the myriad of details that comes with such a monumental undertaking, Alex is busy collecting pledges, raising – on his own – more than $420,000 in donations in just 2024.

The courage and resilience of the children who take the time away from their cancer treatments to attend the game has helped to fuel Alex’s determination to support them in their journey. But then stepping up for youth just seems to be a part of Alex’s DNA – definitely not apathetic!

With the Chestermere Boxing Club, Alex has created a haven and sanctuary for vulnerable youth in the Calgary area – an environment where young people can build confidence and character through boxing. Along with the finer points of footwork and hand speed, Alex strives to build the character in his crop of young contenders, instilling values of respect, responsibility and personal accountability. The impact of his mentorship is evidenced in the numerous speaking requests he receives from schools and community organizations, and he uses these opportunities to advocate on behalf of at-risk youth.

His leadership as President of the Chestermere Langdon Oilmen’s Association, as board member with the organization’s annual ‘Oilympics’ charity hockey tournament and as board member and coach with the Chestermere Minor Hockey Association, he helped raise more than $12 million to support local non-profits and charities throughout the Calgary area – many of them focused on youth development, health care and social services. Non-profits such as Ronald MacDonald House, Make a Wish Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Tom Baker Cancer Centre are just a few of the many organizations that have benefited from the philanthropic efforts Alex has helped to spearhead.

And while championing the well-being of youth is a focus, Alex has also lent his support to broader community initiatives. To this end, he has stepped up to lead the highly successful Western Canada Pond Hockey Championships. With teams from across Alberta and beyond converging on Chestermere Lake, the event is a celebration of community and sport and a major fundraiser supporting non-profits, including the Chestermere Food Bank, Women’s Crisis Society and youth outreach organization, Synergy.

Alex’s belief in sport as a unifying force and a catalyst for positive change has already earned him First Star honours in the game of life, and he now shines even brighter as a worthy recipient of the Stars of Alberta Volunteer Award.

Kishwar Ghani

Nominated by: Uswa Riaz

One must go back more than four decades to truly understand and appreciate the role and impact that Kishwar Ghani has had as a volunteer Star and champion of the South Asian community in Edmonton and throughout Alberta.

It was in 1980 that Kishwar took to the air as a volunteer on Multicultural Radio CKER, where she hosted a show dedicated to the South Asian community and honed her communications skills – fearlessly taking on societal issues, exploring cultural norms and questioning stereotypes. Hers has been a life of dedicated community service ever since.

By engaging her audience, Kishwar took early strides to strengthen intercultural understanding and bridge generational gaps. Volunteering with the Asian Times newspaper and Desh Punjab Radio provided further opportunities to cover a diverse range of topics and encourage community engagement.

Indeed, there are few facets of life within the Indo-Canadian community that have not captured Kishwar’s attention and participation. She has demonstrated her support of the arts through her work in organizing literary workshops, cultural gatherings, festivals and musical performances. And, in 1984, she founded Bazm-e-Sukhan Literary and Cultural Society. As a member of Maple Leaf Writers, Kishwar shares her knowledge of Urdu literature and poetry through her articles and with aspiring authors and poets with whom she offers encouragement to explore their rich culture through their own writing.

A playwright, poet and author in her own right, Kishwar has shared the story of the South Asian experience in Canada – writing and producing plays intended to both entertain and educate on subjects ranging from navigating Canadian laws to maintaining cultural and religious pride while adapting to new societal norms and values.

As an advocate, Kishwar has stepped up to lead initiatives that have helped to enhance the well-being of the individual and the South Asian community at large. From creating youth programming that not only prepares students for academic success but connects them with their cultural heritage, to running computer literacy classes with seniors that introduce them to the digital world and new ways to connect with family and friends around the globe, to establishing the Edmonton Multilingual Library in 2001 to provide access to resources in South Asian Languages, Kishwar’s volunteerism in support of education has changed lives and laid the foundation for brighter futures.

Placing people at the centre of her activism, Kishwar has made women’s health and wellness a focal point. Through her advocacy, Kishwar has inspired women to prioritize their health and – recognizing the cultural, linguistic and financial barriers that confront many South Asian women – organized mobile mammography services. Workshops and informal gatherings were also hosted to provide information and ensure access to, and an understanding of the importance of, breast cancer screening.

Kishwar has also been a leader in the fight against domestic violence within the South Asian community, creating a greater understanding and awareness of the rights of the victim and the emotional and relational toll of abuse. Her efforts are giving voice and empowering women to speak up against the abuse and help break the cycle of family violence. 
There is a saying in Urdu: Zindagi mein kuch karna hai, kuch pana hai – There is much to be done in life, much is to be achieved.

It would be impossible to detail the list of achievements Kishwar Ghani has compiled over 40 years of service. As an artist, an advocate and a communicator, Kishwar has sought to bring those from many diverse cultures, religions, nationalities and languages together. Her work with an equally diverse group of organizations demonstrates her own commitment to unity among people, community empowerment and a greater awareness and understanding of the importance of cultural preservation.

A shining example of the power of a generous spirit, we honour Kishwar Ghani as volunteer Star of Alberta.

Elizabeth (Liz) O’Neill

Nominated by: Danisha Bhaloo-Shivji, Boys and Girls Club/Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Edmonton and Area

Mention the name Elizabeth O’Neill at an Edmonton gathering, and you may get a few puzzled looks.

Mention the name Liz O’Neill, and you will likely get all smiles of recognition. “Ah yes…BGCBigs.”

Liz’s contributions over 45 years of service as executive director with the Boys and Girls Club/Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Edmonton and Area, known affectionately as “BGCBigs,” has made her a household name in Edmonton; across the province; and, yes, throughout the country.

But it is for her volunteer work – her contributions as community leader, as mentor, as teacher, as confidant and friend – that we count Liz O’Neill among Alberta’s volunteer Stars.

Sharing the experience that comes from building a fledgling agency with a tiny staff of two serving 24 clients to a nationally renowned organization with more than 100 staff and 1,900 volunteers serving almost 4,000 children and youth, Liz has helped to strengthen the charitable sector across Alberta through numerous appointments to volunteer boards and committees. The volunteer roles she has taken on reflect the same commitment she has brought to her “day job:” to ensure that the most basic of human needs of even the most vulnerable children and youth – the need for connection – is met. For, in meeting that need, the foundation for the development of future leaders and stronger communities is built.

In 2008, Liz played a pivotal role in the creation of the Alberta Mentoring Partnership, a collective of government ministries and non-profit organizations committed to supporting the mentoring movement in Alberta. As the partnership’s co-chair, Liz has helped to develop and deliver the mentoring resources, toolkits, training materials and research to help the more than 225 school and agency members that make up the partnership. These agencies – including government ministries, community youth organizations, schools, faith-based organizations and service clubs – deliver mentoring programs that help build communities through the seemingly simple act of spending time with a child. In 2020, Liz’s work in supporting youth through mentoring was recognized with the presentation of the Mentor Canada Lifetime Achievement Award, just one of the many awards and accolades that she has received over her many years of service.

As a volunteer board member with a number of granting organizations – including, to name just a few, EPCOR’s Community Essentials Council, TELUS Edmonton Community Board and the Edmonton Community Foundation – Liz has helped to identify where resources were likely to make the most meaningful impact toward building stronger communities.

Her knowledge and experience have been sought out by staff and volunteers at numerous charitable organizations and non profits in Edmonton, in Alberta and across Canada. Liz shares her learnings generously through informal mentoring of executive directors; senior managers; and, yes, even government officials. That may be why, in 2019, she was asked to come on board as the Vice-Chair of the Premier’s Council on Charities and Civil Society, joining with colleagues from across the non profit and charitable sectors to provide advice to government to help civil society groups address pressing social issues across the province.

As one whose career has been spent leading an organization that relies so heavily on volunteers, Liz knows how critical volunteerism is in creating a more just and civil society. And because she gives as good as she gets, she continues to inspire through her own commitment to volunteering. For her generosity of spirit, for her compassionate caring and commitment to the youth of Edmonton and the province and for her immense impact toward building that more just and civil society, we salute Liz O’Neill, Volunteer Star of Alberta.

Coralee McIntosh

Nominated by: Morgan Matheson, Chestermere Women's Crisis Society

A long-time volunteer, Coralee McIntosh’s impact has been felt throughout the community as she has stepped up to support such diverse organizations as the Chestermere Women’s Crisis Society and the World’s Longest Hockey Game. Always willing to lend a hand, Coralee’s generosity of spirit has made a difference in Chestermere as that spirit has touched the hearts and the lives of many in the community and many more whom she is unlikely to ever meet.

But perhaps the most profound impact she has had on the community is within the youth community and, particularly, those in the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community.

Coralee McIntosh has volunteered in Chestermere and area for over a decade.  Since 2013 she has dedicated much of her time to Synergy Youth and Community Development Society, an organization with a mission to empower youth and community groups to build strong connections through relationships, education, leadership, programming and basic needs supports.

Coralee has taken a unique approach to community development, viewing challenges and opportunities to grow community through a mental health lens. Coupled with her work with at-risk youth, including youth representing the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, Coralee has demonstrated the dedication, empathy and inclusivity that has made her a trusted champion of the rights of those too often marginalized within Alberta society.

Coralee advocates for 2SLGBTQQIA+ rights and works to address issues such as discrimination, bullying and mental health disparities within this community. Coralee actively promotes acceptance, diversity and equality – fostering a sense of belonging among at-risk youth. In her role, Coralee actively engages with marginalized youth, offering them a safe space to express themselves and seek support. She demonstrates empathy by listening attentively to their experiences, challenges and concerns without judgment. Coralee’s genuine compassion and understanding create a supportive environment where young individuals feel valued and respected, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Coralee is committed to ensuring all feel welcomed and affirmed.

Beyond providing essential support and guidance to at-risk youth, Coralee is a champion for equality. Her dedication to uplifting and empowering marginalized communities exemplifies her commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society. Coralee attributes her ongoing commitment and passion for community development and volunteerism to the incredible people she has had the opportunity to volunteer alongside for over a decade, particularly her mentor and peers.

Shining a light on the dark corners of misunderstanding and serving as a beacon for those searching for a safe haven of compassion and care, Coralee McIntosh is doing work of the heart as Chestermere’s 2024 Alberta Volunteer Star.

Cynthia Shi

Nominated by: Sally Zhao, The Immigrant Education Society

For the last two decades, Cynthia Shi has been a champion for Alberta’s immigrant community and a voice calling out the lingering racism of the past and present in hopes of building a brighter, more welcoming, more inclusive future for all Albertans.

As a registered social worker, Cynthia has brought a unique perspective to her 20 years of volunteerism, beginning with her involvement with Calgary Jiang Zhe Shanghai Association.

Established in 1992, it promotes the Chinese culture and facilitates the participation of the Chinese community within Canada’s multicultural society. Cynthia moved quickly to initiate a range of programs to support newcomers in overcoming the barriers to a successful life in their new homeland. From her beginning as a member of the association, Cynthia has since taken on roles on the organization’s board, as secretary general and, over ten years, as vice president – helping grow the association in numbers and influence within the Chinese community.

A champion of education, Cynthia has played a pivotal role in the development and growth of ECSSEN Career School, a registered charity. She has helped guide the school from a young association, with less than five volunteers and little more than dreams and determination, to a volunteer-driven centre with a wide array of programming that includes a workplace practicum initiative designed to support adults and youth to gain Canadian work experience and skills.

It was as a volunteer with ECSSEN that Cynthia turned her attention to the need to expand the role of the Chinese community within the broader public life of the province. Recognizing the Chinese community's traditional emphasis on economic and academic success, Cynthia identified a need for leadership development to enable members of the community to become more engaged in public life, addressing issues of social injustice and advocating for themselves and the broader community.

So, to this pursuit, Cynthia created the Scholarship and Career Salon programs in 2012 to help new immigrants break barriers in their career development, the Special Needs Children Development Care program to help special needs children participate fully in their communities, and, in 2017, Cynthia established ECSSEN’s Youth Leadership Program which encompasses training in public speaking, communication, conflict resolution and volunteer management. This immensely popular program has helped more than 1,000 young people and their parents to not only to find, but confidently share, their voices.

On the heels of the successful leadership program, Cynthia created the Youth Mentorship Program, connecting Canadian born and immigrant youth and international students through culturally enriching activities, successfully growing understanding and inclusivity.

In 2023, Canada marked the tragic 100th anniversary of the highly discriminatory Chinese Immigration Act. More commonly known as the Chinese Exclusion Act, it was the culmination of anti-Chinese racism and racist policies that included the hate-fueled Chinese head tax.

Although the Act was repealed in 1947, Cynthia recognized the need to shine a light on this dark period in the history of the Chinese community in Canada so that it might underscore the need for vigilance against such racism. To that end, Cynthia created the “Youth Voices of Our Canada” Project.  The first phase of the project in 2023 featured a speech competition focused on anti racism and the celebration of the contributions of Chinese immigrants to the building of Canadian society. In 2024, a knowledge competition was held to reinforce the principles of multiculturalism and to encourage active engagement to combat racism.

The project was endorsed and supported by both the City of Calgary and the Calgary Foundation. Its success was seen – and, more importantly, heard – through the thoughtful and impactful presentation of youth empowered to speak up as advocates for equality, inclusivity and social justice.

Twenty years into such immense community success, Cynthia’s passion burns as brightly as ever. Her commitment and dedication to supporting Alberta’s Chinese and broader immigrant communities has not wavered. And for that commitment… for that unbridled passion… Cynthia Shi is truly an Alberta volunteer Star.

Robyn Devine

Nominated by: Cara Kroetsch, Town of Blackfalds

As a volunteer, Robyn Devine has lent her time and talents to a wide array of community and youth-centric projects in the central Alberta communities of Blackfalds, Lacombe and Red Deer – supporting efforts to combat food insecurity as a board member of the Beyond Food Community Hub and helping to build a strong sense of community by volunteering at Town of Blackfalds events. While Robyn contributes to these and other initiatives, including the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, it is standing up for gender equality where Robyn has made perhaps the most significant impact.

It was when she was a member of the staff of the Blackfalds Library that Robyn became a menstrual equity advocate, taking over the commitment of the library to supply free feminine hygiene products. Robyn continues this work through the central Alberta chapter of Soroptimist – an international organization dedicated to awareness, advocacy and action on women’s issues – working to create awareness of menstrual equity through her support of the United Way of Central Alberta’s Period Promise campaign. Bringing the issue to light to local civic leaders and the public, Robyn’s efforts have resulted in dispensers and free supplies being made available in the washrooms of four Red Deer schools.

In 2023, Robyn stepped up in support of Power of a Girl, helping to organize and host the conference hosted in Red Deer by Soroptimist in partnership with the African Caribbean Centre of Central Alberta and the Central Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association. The conference was held in conjunction with the Soroptimist’s “Dream It, Be It” campaign, which offers career support for girls by providing the tools they need to achieve their education and career goals and empowering them to break the cycles of poverty, violence and abuse. Through the conference, girls from 14 to 18 years of age were given the opportunity to meet professional role models and mentors and to learn more about goal setting, financial literacy and overcoming obstacles.

Robyn has embraced the Soroptimist club’s commitment to supporting 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. Through the program, young girls participating in volunteerism are selected for cash awards to support their schooling and charity of their choice. Robyn 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.

Taking a stand against domestic violence, Robyn has been a leader in support of the Soroptimist’s “Central Alberta Purple Light Night.” It encourages the community to shine a light – a purple light – or wear purple to honour the memory of those lost to domestic violence and to help create awareness and show support for those impacted by family violence.

For Robyn Devine, volunteerism has become a way of life... just something she has always done since she was a teen. As the years have gone by, her contributions have grown and the light from this volunteer Star has grown ever brighter.