Dozens of Albertans received the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers on Monday, including Global Edmonton’s Gord Steinke, from the Governor General of Canada. The award recognizes the exceptional volunteer achievements of Canadians.
“These hardworking citizens are focused on building strong, caring and vibrant communities that allow all members to thrive,” Alberta’s Lt.-Gov. Lois Mitchell said. “In this special birthday year for our country, it’s a particular pleasure to recognize some of the people who embody the best of what it means to be Canadian.”
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Steinke was recognized for his countless hours spent volunteering in the community over the past quarter century. Some of his biggest accolades come from his work as Honourary Lieutenant-Colonel of the 15 Edmonton Field Ambulance, part of the 41st Canadian Brigade Group, the TELUS Motorcycle Ride for Dad and his work with the Kids with Cancer Society.
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Steinke was humble in his acceptance of the national award, recognizing the others who joined him in Monday’s ceremony.
“It’s really an honour to be included with all of these people who make a difference in their communities,” he said.
“Our audiences give so much to us; it’s good to give back,” he said, when asked about why he volunteers.
Events Steinke chooses to support include personal passions, such as music, his motorcycle and helping children. The Kids with Cancer Society is an organization that is near and dear to his heart.
“He has the beautiful ability to really engage with the children,” said Val Figliuzzi, executive director of Kids with Cancer Society. “He obviously has a huge heart.”
Steinke has acted as an emcee for the Kids with Cancer Society annual Beaded Journey Gala and can often be found giving kids rides on his motorcycle for the Parade of Heroes at Hawrelak Park.
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Amongst the crowd at Tuesday’s ceremony was Gord’s mother, Donalda Ford, who told Global News she’s proud of her son every day, not just on days he’s being recognized.
“He does amazing things,” she said. “I’m biased I guess, but I think he deserves it.”
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The medal recipients are from across northern and central Alberta including Barrhead, Beaumont, Devon, Edmonton, Fawcett, Leduc and Sherwood Park. A second ceremony will be held in the fall to recognize volunteers from southern Alberta.
The medal incorporates and replaces the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award.
Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers recipients:
- Daniel Alba, Edmonton
- James A. Bourgoin, Red Deer
- Berta Briggs, Wetaskiwin
- Claude Carignan, Edmonton
- Linda Christensen, Leduc
- Robert Crites, Penhold
- Robert Day, Sturgeon County
- Margaret Duncan, St. Albert
- Barbara Ferguson, Sherwood Park
- Bonnie Ferguson, Sherwood Park
- Allistair Fraser, Sherwood Park
- Barbara Furuness, Wetaskiwin
- Sidney Furuness, Wetaskiwin
- Beverley Hanes, Red Deer
- Debbie Herman, Millet
- Jeannine Kowalski, Barrhead
- Mohit Kumar, Edmonton
- Herald Lefebvre, St. Paul
- Nadine Leming, Leduc
- George Lucki, Sherwood Park
- Vincent Martin, Red Deer
- Christine McCourt-Reid, Edmonton
- Bobbi McCoy, Red Deer
- Joan Mestinsek, St. Albert
- Brian L. Morris, Devon
- Janice Morris, Devon
- Faiza Moussa, Leduc
- Neal Nelson, Hardisty
- Marvin Neumann, Edmonton
- Avery Nham, Edmonton
- Larry Pempeit, Edmonton
- John Pickett, Edmonton
- Kristopher Porlier, Edmonton
- Sophia Qaderi, St. Albert
- Barbara Sand, St. Albert
- Denise Seib, Thorsby
- Roger Smiley, Fawcett
- Gordon Steinke, Sherwood Park
- Julianna Stern, Beaumont
- Roderich Stewart, Vegreville
- Tracy Stewart, Edmonton
- Robert Walker, Edmonton
- James Warren, Tofield
- Lubna Zaeem, Edmonton
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