Leaders of Tomorrow 2001
ROBBIE GFRERER
2001 Elementary Award Recipient
Robbie Gfrerer is a student who has obviously learned the important lesson of helping others. This Our Lady of the Assumption School student started volunteering for the Lethbridge Society For Meals On Wheels when he was only five. For the past two years this dedicated young man has even delivered meals on Christmas Day! Robbie also takes the time to visit with the seniors on his route. The 12 year old brightens their days with the cards he has made and by taking the time to find out how people are doing. Robbie’s time, dedication, and genuine compassion have truly made a difference to those around him.
Volunteering is obviously important to Kevan Bryant. This 11-year-old has volunteered for over half of her life and has already donated over 600 hours of volunteer service! For more than six years Kevan has been helping out at St. John Ambulance and assists the office staff and brigade as a “gopher” running to get supplies and items that are needed. The Fleetwood Bawden student also dedicates her time to helping out other organizations in her community. Kevan has cleaned highways and also assisted at the Bird’s of Prey Centre and The Humane Society. During the Alberta Winter Games in 1996 she worked over 100 hours with various teams getting water bottles, equipment, food and other items. Kevan’s kindness, enthusiasm and dedication shine through in everything she does.
2001 Junior High Award Recipient
Colin Van Loon has a maturity and commitment to the community that is far beyond his years. The 15 year old’s time and dedication is very much noticed and appreciated by those at Lethbridge Regional Hospital. As a Hospital Volunteer, Colin delivers ice water to patients, assists with mealtime activities and friendly visiting. He particularly wanted to connect with people, who didn’t have anyone to visit them, so he could show them that someone cared. The Gilbert Paterson student began volunteering while visiting with many of the seniors on his paper route where he made a point of spending time with people. Even Colin’s dog helps out. Buddy is trained for search and rescue work and the two take part in local training for Search & Rescue work whenever they have an opportunity. Colin’s generosity and kindness will serve him well in all future endeavors.
2001 High School Award Recipient
Aileen Cormican has donated numerous hours to help others. She has volunteered her time to a number of community, school and church activities. Some of the organizations she has contributed to include St. Michael’s Health Centre and the Sir Alexander Galt Museum and Archives. Politics is also an interest for this 16-year-old. She has acted as a Liberal Association campaign volunteer and scrutineer. Aileen also participated in the Alberta Youth Parliament, went to Quebec as part of a national exchange and plans to go to Ottawa this June to take part in the Forum for Young Canadians. The Catholic Central High School student is also active in her school. She is a member of the CCHS Choral Choir and serves on the student council. Aileen’s hard work and dedication have made her an important member of her volunteer organizations, and assured her placement as a true Leader of Tomorrow.
2001 High School Award Recipient
Erin Sherwin’s commitment and concern for others shines through in everything she does. She is very involved in both her school and the community. The Lethbridge Collegiate Institute student is a peer tutor and scorekeeper for volleyball. Erin organized a group of friends to help out at YWCA’s Harbour House and made regular drop off of clothing during the winter which helped out both Harbour House and the Salvation Army. She also organized gifts at Christmas and gathered donations to purchase items for clients. Additionally, the 18 year old cooks meals for the Soup Kitchen.
Erin has canvassed for the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation. As well, she has volunteered for the Children’s Miracle Wish Foundation Harvest Festival and the Arthritis Jingle Bell Run. She plays the piano at a Senior’s Homes and also volunteers her time to teach swimming lessons at city pools. Erin’s dedication to helping others will leave a lasting impression on her community.
2001 High School Award Recipient
Eryn Groft has an extensive and diverse volunteer background. The Winston Churchill High School student is very involved in school activities. Eryn represented her high school on the Lions Club International Youth Exchange in Peru and currently serves on a Graduation Committee where she plays an active role in decision making and fundraising. The 17-year-old also donates her time to assist various community organizations. She is a regular blood donor, has taken part in the Lethbridge AIDS walk and volunteered to teach ballet and Baroque Dance. At the Lethbridge Regional Hospital she volunteered as a Ped Pal where she worked with children. She continued her work with youth as a volunteer at the Lethbridge Public Library’s summer program “Ready, Set Read” program with Grades 1 through 3 students. Eryn’s enthusiasm and dedication impress everyone who meets her.
REBECCA LABBE
2001 Post Secondary Award Recipient
University of Lethbridge student Rebecca Labbe has devoted herself to improving the lives of her fellow students. This Sociology student has dedicated herself to the University, assisting with everything from organizing special events, counseling and providing information at the Women’s Centre. Rebecca also researched a day care for the University and west side of the city, and organized events and activities for the children whose parents attend the University. As part of International Women’s Day in Lethbridge, this 20 year old helped organize a Women’s Day event at Hugos Restaurant, and set up an information booth at the University. She continues her community involvement at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital where she volunteers her time to visit with Pediatric patients. Rebecca’s enthusiasm and compassion will serve her well in her career goal of ensuring quality care for the severely disabled.
2001 Post Secondary Award Recipient
Sarah Britto has touched the lives of many people during her time as a volunteer. This University of Lethbridge student donates her time to the community. Sarah volunteers at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital in a number of areas including a volunteer for the PARTY program, PED Pal for the Pediatrics-Child Life program and as a coordinator of Teddy Bear Tours for preschool children. She also works with youth through the Teen Life Program with Catholic Churches in Lethbridge. The 21 year old has donated her time to a variety of causes including the Calgary Regional Health Authority at the Peter Lougheed site, as a Sunday School leader, and as a camp counselor at Camp Columbus. Sarah’s commitment and enthusiasm impress everyone who meets her.