Honouring the Heart of the Community

Community spirit was on full display during this year’s Volunteer Appreciation Night, held May 1 at the MDM Community Centre, as residents of Crowsnest Pass gathered to celebrate the individuals who dedicate their time and passion to making the municipality a better place.

The annual event, hosted by the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass, featured dinner, entertainment and the presentation of two prestigious honours: the Outstanding Youth Award and the Order of Crowsnest Pass – Outstanding Volunteer Award. Fire Chief Jesse Fox and Mayor Blair Painter also took to the stage to recognize 50 years of service from two of the community’s most dedicated firefighters.

The evening began with warm words from Daryl Ferguson, who hosted the event and reminded attendees that volunteerism is the beating heart of the Pass.

“Whether you’re supporting local arts, lending a hand at community events, caring for your neighbours, or contributing behind the scenes — your efforts matter,” Ferguson told the packed hall, “You are the reason this place feels like home.”

Kim Lewis, who coordinated the event, acknowledged the dozens of local organizations represented in the room, from the Blairmore Lions and KidsSport to the Roxy Theatre supporters and Peaks to Pines Residents Association.

A highlight of the evening came as Fire Chief Jesse Fox and Mayor Blair Painter honoured longtime firefighters Cliff White and Daryl Ferguson with the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal and the rare 50-Year Bar.

“Fifty years is not just a number, that is a legacy,” said Fox, “It’s virtually unheard of. You’ve inspired generations and built a reputation that will echo in this community long after you’ve hung up your gear.”

Later in the evening, Mayor Painter presented the $1,000 Outstanding Youth Award to Nadine Hamilton, a Grade 9 student whose contributions to her school and the wider community stood out to the selection committee.

A musician, athlete, and academic achiever, Hamilton was praised for her work with the CNP Youth Council, her leadership in school groups, and her ongoing volunteerism with community events and the local symphony. She is a two-time recipient of the CCHS Pursuit of Excellence Award and a frequent honour roll student.

“Nadine exemplifies what it means to be a leader, a role model, and an outstanding youth,” said Kim Lewis during the presentation.

The evening concluded with the presentation of the Order of Crowsnest Pass Outstanding Volunteer Award, this year given to longtime community advocate Pauline Desjardins.

A founding member of the Friends of the Library Society, Desjardins has spent over a decade as the group’s treasurer and has helped secure critical casino funding for the library. Her volunteer work spans a wide range of causes — from championing daycare standards to launching the Crowsnest Cruisers, a program providing transportation for seniors and people with disabilities.

“Her contributions have created lasting change, and her legacy continues to inspire all,” said Lewis.

In her acceptance speech, Desjardins remained humble.

“If there was a way for me to clone this and give it to each and every one of you, I would,” she said, “No one up here works alone. We work together.”

As the night drew to a close, Mayor Painter reminded everyone that the awards were only a small piece of what makes Volunteer Appreciation Night special.

“It wasn’t just about the awards, it was about this room full of people who give so generously of their time, talents and hearts,” he said. “You are the backbone of our community.”