Strathcona County presented the 2017Â Pride of Strathcona awards to the following groups and individuals at an awards ceremony held at Festival Place on June 12, 2017. Congratulations to all!
Mayor's Award
Edwin Riediger
Edwin Riediger is recognized in Alberta for leading a number of provincial and regional initiatives to improve services for people with disabilities. Ed began with the Robin Hood Association when it was only a small special needs school and one group home. Under his guidance as chief executive officer, the association expanded into a multimillion dollar non-profit organization - and one of the County’s largest employers - serving 330 adults and 400 children with disabilities. Along the way he has established an international reputation in the care and respect of persons with disabilities.
Arts, Culture and Heritage
Bonnie Ferguson
Bonnie Ferguson has taken her lifelong interest in history and heritage and turned it into a series of publications and displays that make a major contribution to Strathcona County’s collective knowledge of who we are and where we came from. For 15 years, she has been deeply committed to researching and writing about our local military history and presenting it to our citizens.
Lilly Kleinke
Lilly Kleinke is an accomplished visual artist, and this, ever so impressive as she is legally blind. Passionate about painting nature watercolours, her portfolio includes mixed media, abstract and tactile. She also makes a positive impact through advocacy work and by volunteering in many areas including with CNIB, the Boys and Girls Club, and events such as Seniors’ Week and Neighbour Day.
Community Service
Wilson Bearhead
Elder Wilson Bearhead is a member of the Wabamun Lake Indian Band who has reached out beyond his own community. Through his stories, songs and teaching, he brings healing to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people of all ages. He serves on a provincial Elder’s Wisdom Circle and provides guidance for other groups. A model of patience and kindness, he brings a message of reconciliation to schools, fostering an awareness of how different cultures can come together in understanding and respect.
Sheila Smyth
Sheila Smyth has spent a lifetime contributing her time, resources and energy to an amazing number of community events. She has been associated with Friends of the Library, the Black and White Gala, Festival of Trees and the popular Battle of the Chefs. She is a founder of the Common Ground Community Cafe and sits on the board of the Chamber of Commerce. Sheila gives tirelessly to make our community a better place to live.
Outstanding Group
Linking Generations
Linking Generations is an intergenerational program that encourages bridging the gap between seniors and youth. Students from local schools are paired with seniors and, through regular visits to the care facilities, bring joy and friendship to the residents. For their part, the youth benefit from making new community connections. Linking Generations has achieved great success in breaking down stereotypes and improving the lives of both young and old.
Strathcona County Victim Services Advocates
Strathcona County Victim Services Advocates is a volunteer group that works with residents who find themselves in traumatic and life altering situations. They provide sensitive and sympathetic assistance to victims of fire, crime, sexual assault, child and elder abuse, or who find themselves in the court system. Their direct assistance, support and referral services make a real difference for people in need.
