Awards honour pillars of commmunity in Cochrane
It takes a village to raise a town and Cochrane is no exception.
The annual Community Awards held recently was an opportunity to recognize outstanding individuals and Cochrane organizations that work diligently to ensure Cochrane maintains an excellent quality of life. This year, there were 45 individuals and businesses nominated in 13 categories, which is 28 more people than were nominated in 2015.
The event was hosted by Stuart Bradley of Cochrane, who was surprised when he discovered that he was selected Senior of the Year. Bradley’s volunteer activities in the town include volunteering with the Cochrane Classic Car Show, the Lindsay Kimmett Foundation, Big Hill Lodge and the Canadian Legion.
Other Major Award Winners
1. Citizen of the Year
Marni Fedeyko was selected Citizen of the Year for her work in community advocacy and volunteer leadership in Cochrane’s seasonal Light Up events.
2. Community Builder of the Year
Bill Popplewell was honoured for his insightful leadership in the Chamber of Commerce in which he has been able to energize its members, moving the organization in a positive direction to promote Cochrane business and organize a successful annual trade event.
3. Employer of the Year
For its commitment to giving Cochrane youth a shot at their first ever job and for providing a great workplace, Cochrane Movie House was named Employer of the Year.
4. Business of the Year
Guy’s Café and Bakery in Cochrane was honoured for 15 years of dedication to their customers and to supporting local fundraising activities in the town by donating baked goods. The bakery’s owner, Guy Joudrie, dedicated the award to his staff.
5. Youth of the Year
Jordan Tilma was honoured for his work with the Mayor’s Youth Council which was started in 2013. He was also an organizer for Inn from the Cold in Cochrane and volunteered in Calgary with the Drop-In Centre.
6. Ambassadors of the Year
Board members of the Bow Valley Rugby Club along with volunteers and the players themselves, from adults to youth players, were honoured for contributing to the success of this club. Teams which have traveled to tournaments and playoffs throughout Western Canada promote Cochrane where ever they go.
7. The Order of Cochrane
Mayor Ivan Brooker was on hand to bestow the highest honour of the evening to Mr. and Mrs. Ivan and Betty Goodsell who have lived in the town for the past 37 years. Betty started a service club called the Activettes among many other community initiatives and Ivan coached sports for countless years and plays Santa at many community events.
Other highlights from the Cochrane Community Awards included recognizing Bow Valley High School for its Building Futures Program. This initiative in partnership with local builder, Kingsmith Homes, takes education outside the classroom by providing opportunities to work with tradespeople on homes in the Willows neighbourhood.
The Cochrane Historical and Archival Preservation Society was named as Newsmaker of the Year. The Society ensured that the Town’s first hospital was moved to the Ranche location and was turned into a museum.
Volunteer Group of the Year was Cochrane’s Society for Housing Options. They were recognized because epic growth in the town has brought about housing challenges and the Society has risen to the call for safe and affordable housing so that no one in Cochrane is left behind.