BOYLE — It takes a village as the quote starts, but in that village, it takes volunteers, and the Village of Boyle took a moment to recognize one of their own.
At their Jan. 18 regular council meeting, mayor Colin Derko and councillors took a few moments to acknowledge the arduous work of Lindsey Stanton and the Greater Athabasca Community Foundation (GACF).
“Lindsey Stanton, what can we say about you? It's all good stuff,” said Derko. “We are all proud to have you in our community and we can't think of anybody better ... (and) we're proud to say you're from our community and proud to say how hard you work in our community.”
Stanton works a lot behind the scenes organizing such things as a dunk tank at Fiesta Days to help raise money for the GACF, sponsors for Christmas trees placed outside the senior’s lodge for the clients to enjoy.
“You're at the top of many of our discussions at different meetings and stuff … and of course, it's not all you, it's you and the people that you have been working with, and that you have been leading,” he said.
The GACF has organized a community Christmas show and dance including a children’s show, gifts to seniors, and the skatepark.
“It's a testament to your dedication and your leadership and we would love for you to be presented with our Community Spirit award,” said Derko. "It would make us proud for you to have this award every year, but for 2022 we would love to present this to you.”
Every year the GACF raises money from donations and through various fundraising events to put the money back into the community in numerous ways to enhance the lives of those living in or passing through Boyle.
“Thank you so much for everything you do and for your continued cooperation and hard work within the village,” he said. "I know you don't do it for recognition or any of that; I know you're doing it for the right reasons. That's what makes us so proud.”
Stanton humbly accepted the award and thanked the council and everyone who volunteers.
