There are SO many incredible youth in our communities. They take initiative to make Wetaskiwin a brighter place, and we want to recognize them for their efforts! Below are just a small portion of some of the amazing young people you'll find in our community.
Join us in celebrating these fine individuals!
SEPTEMBER 2022
Kayleigh Saunderson, 16
Kayleigh works with UBAKA (Urban Bulldogs Against Kids Abuse), an organization who supports abused and bullied Children and Youths. She is a very active member in this group. She has helped numerous fellow students in the past year who have been bullied or abused. She is an amazing role model. She stands tall and strong for those being bullied and will not tolerate this behavior! She is working towards becoming a Psychologist so she can further help Children.
“Even before I joined UBAKA I've always felt strongly about standing up to bullying and abuse. My parents raised me to stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves even if it means standing alone. Even with my future career and plans I'm going to dedicate my life to helping others no matter what. The reason why I chose to do this with my life is because no child should ever have to feel unloved or unwanted, and the feeling I get when I see a child's eyes light up when they know they are safe and loved because of what I do is beyond extraordinary. I love what I do and I'm proud to do it.”
OCTOBER 2022
Georgia Duncan, 15
t's evident that Georgia has a huge heart for her community. In seeing some of FCSS' "The CAKE Project" items out in the community, she asked her mom how she could get involved. She then got in touch with FCSS, and is organizing a month of The CAKE Project - the FIRST & ONLY month that isn't being looked after by a service group or organization. Georgia shows initiative, and is willing to help at the drop of a hat. This girl has a heart of gold, and she's going to do some big things in Wetaskiwin.
NOVEMBER 2022
Benjerman Durling, 14
Benjerman plays at recess with a boy who is in grade 3 so he doesn’t feel so alone.
Ben also shovels for a senior citizen before going to school -
and he goes to school in Leduc so it’s a big deal getting up at 5:00 AM to shovel!
This past summer, he would mow the lawn every week for a local senior so she never had to worry about getting into trouble with the board at her trailer park.
Ben is incredibly thoughtful and has a generous spirit, and Wetaskiwin is lucky to have him!
DECEMBER 2022
Eric Yee, 18
Eric is an assistant coach on the U18 Hockey Team here in Wetaskiwin. Eric played with some of the kids during his younger years, but unfortunately life’s obstacles made it difficult for him to continue playing. After graduating high school Eric has continued to show his passion for the sport and his former teammates. When Eric was asked if he would be interested in helping out with the team, he accepted with great enthusiasm. Eric has taken the online courses needed to be on the bench, attends practice 2 nights a week as well as games either home or away. Eric’s positive attitude and strong hockey sense have been an asset to the bench and we all look forward to hearing his ideas for the team.
JANUARY 2023
Shaun Ong, 17
Shaun spends a lot of his time volunteering with BGC Wetaskiwin. He is also the Youth Council Member for BGC Canada, and is always finding new ways to advocate for local youth. In his role at BGC Wetaskiwin, Shaun has created healthy meal plans for their weekly meals; helps younger children with their homework; come up with new games for drop in programs; and encourages leadership in others.
FEBRUARY 2023
Arissa Nanji, 18
"Volunteering has always been a part of my upbringing, so student council seemed like the perfect opportunity for me."
Arissa is President of WCHS Student Council - and the first member to serve two consecutive terms! She is responsible for running meetings, organizing and executing school events. Student Council chose Neighbors Outreach Wetaskiwin (NOW) as their initiative for the year, and before Christmas, encouraged students to bring in backpacks and other personal items to donate to NOW. In total, 25 backpacks were assembled, plus 4 boxes of additional donations. Arissa was instrumental in making sure this initiative was successful!
She's off to the Ivey Business School at Western University in the fall - good luck and all the best, girl
MARCH 2023
Bryce Sirca, 16
Bryce, 16, is always ready to lend a hand. He has helped Red Line Street Society with many of their events and portrays passion in what he does. He's formally been a Jr Member with Red Line since July 2022, however he participated prior when his dad was involved with the club as well. He is always volunteering to help with community events and shows such as the Annual Halloween Monsters N Motors candy stop, Santa Claus Parade float preparation, and helped with putting together Christmas Hampers for the Food and Toy Drive and distributed them to the community.
APRIL 2023
Marcel Reisdorf, 19
Marcel has grown from a skilled young athlete with three young siblings in our soccer community to helping train other teammates, being a captain, winning medals and championships, to coaching and going above and beyond is leadership in the community.
In 2022, Marcel volunteered as a legacy coach with the Wetaskiwin Soccer Club coach 6-8 year olds and ended up coaching FOUR groups/teams of players - as well as getting into college for engineering and earning a spot on the Red Deer Kings soccer team! He always gives, gives, gives, and never turns down an opportunity to help. This year, he will be coaching the U6 and U8 groups again, and mentoring some amazing new youth legacy coaches!
NOMINATE A YOUTH TODAY!
If you know a young adult (ages 12 - 21) who you think is deserving of the title of Youth Volunteer of the Month, nominate them today!
You can fill out our application online by clicking the button below, or download the paper/editable version and email it to us at hello@wetaskiwinfcss.com
Nominations are due at the last day of every month, with winners being announced during the first week of the following month.