Liisa Gillingham was named Fort Macleod’s 2022 Citizen of the Year.
Liisa Gillingham wasn’t looking to win any awards when she started volunteering in Fort Macleod.
Born and raised in Fort Macleod, Gillingham was simply interested in helping her community be strong and vibrant.
That commitment to Fort Macleod saw Gillingham thrust into the spotlight Thursday when she was named Citizen of the Year.
“It was completely unexpected,” Gillingham said. “I’m humbled by it. There are a lot of great volunteers in our community and I’ve worked with a ton of them. Everyone deserves to be recognized. We have a very good community of volunteers.”
Other Citizen of the Year nominees were Bev Jestin, Brayden Van Driesten, Phil Lewis, and Stu Hildebrand.
The Fort Macleod Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual awards gala Thursday at the community hall.
“We are so blessed and fortunate to live in a community with so many businesses and volunteers who are willing to give back at any opportunity,” Chamber president John Guliker said. “They are truly the heart and soul of our small town.”
Adrian Creighton was named Junior Citizen of the Year and Fort Macleod Vet Clinic was named Outstanding Business.
Award recipients also included Davis Dodge, Community Enhancement; Mitch Maier, Customer Service; Tim Donahue, Employee Service; The Baked Aussie, New Business; Puppy Love Pet Products, Large Business; JBJ Auto Wrecking, Small Business; My Oma Always Canning, Home-Based Business; and Southern Alberta Livestock Exchange (SALE), Agriculture Business.
“Thank you to all who were nominated for the great work you do in the community,” Guliker said.
The Citizen of the Year award recognizes someone who has demonstrated outstanding volunteerism, community spirit and citizenship.
Gillingham said her volunteer involvement began with the parent council at W.A. Day school, which her children attended.
“That was probably one of the first boards I sat on, and that started with having kids in the school,” Gillingham said.
Gillingham later joined the Fort Macleod Community Improvement Association that fund-raised for a new gym at W.A. Day school.
Gillingham is also on the board of directors for the Foothills Centre and has volunteered for the Inclusion and Diversity Committee as well as Minor Hockey.
“It’s just a love of the community and wanting to support the community and see it be successful,” Gillingham said of her volunteer efforts. “To have a great community for my kids, and for other families.”
“I think that’s probably where it is. Just being born and raised here and wanting to see the town continue to be successful.”
Adrian Creighton was recognized as Junior Citizen of the Year for his work as a leader in his community.
Zoe Nelson was the other nominee for Junior Citizen of the Year.
“I think it’s great to recognize the accomplishments of our local youth,” said Cpl. Paul Bedard of award sponsor Fort Macleod RCMP. “I know from experience that we have many young people in the community who are doing remarkable things on a daily basis. Recognizing their achievements will help inspire others to be great.”
The Chamber audience heard that Adrian at the age of 13 was inspired to start the Piikani Pow Wow Club in 2022 so his younger siblings could learn traditional First Nations dance.
Membership has grown to 35 young people, and Adrian is planning to organize a dance showcase.
Bedard noted Adrian was voted captain of the U13 Mavericks hockey team.
“I’ve learned that Adrian is very respected by his peers and continues to show great leadership skills,” Bedard said.
“I have no doubt that Adrian will go on to do great things, as will Zoe.”
Adrian thanked the Chamber for the award and the people who nominated and voted for him.
“I really appreciate it,” Adrian said. “It just warms my heart that you would take the time to do such a thing.”
Adrian thanked his family and friends for their support, and the young people who joined the pow wow club.
Liisa Gillingham was named Fort Macleod’s 2022 Citizen of the Year.
Adrian Creighton received the Junior Citizen of the Year award from Cpl. Paul Bedard of the Fort Macleod RCMP.
