Community Futures Highwood presents four Queen's Jubilee medals

Another four Foothills area residents received Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Medals late last week.

The medals were presented by Community Futures Highwood, whose board of directors nominated three of the recipients.

Executive Director Ursula Sherwood says the organization is well-positioned to nominate local philanthropists.

"We were looking at people that we have worked with and know the work they have done in the community and are familiar with. I'm sure there are many deserving recipients out there, but we needed to go with the ones we know."

With that said, they also spread the word that they were looking for nominees, which resulted in former Black Diamond CAO Sharlene Brown nominating Verna Staples.

All four recipients are well known in the community, and for good reason, says Sherwood.

"These people have been giving of themselves without asking for returns for many, many years in all cases. I think it's really important to recognize these contributions to our society, to our communities. They are building communities, they are supporting our communities, and they're doing it daily, so having an opportunity to recognize that is amazing."

The recipients, along with their descriptions from Community Futures Highwood, are:

Judy McMillan-Evans (High River):

Judy has been a long-standing community supporter and coach. She has served on several non-profit boards and has coached and supported countless individuals in the community. She has been instrumental in bringing economic development opportunities to the region and is a respected resource for, and contributor, to the business community.

Pamela Morgan (Okotoks):

Pamela is an extremely engaged community supporter. She has served on several non-profit boards and has coached and supported countless individuals in the community.
She also founded the 'Baby Its Cold Outside' charity, a growing NPO, which supports individuals and families that have fallen on hard times with food, clothing and mental health support.

 
Orvella Small (High River):

Orvella is one of the founders of Inclusion Foothills (formerly Foothills SNAPS), a NPO that serves people with disabilities and their families. She is the Executive Director and has been a tireless advocate and supporter for the cause. Under her leadership the organization has grown substantially offering much needed services to our communities.

Verna Staples (Black Diamond):

Verna, as returning officer, ensures all municipal elections are held with the highest honour and integrity.
She volunteered for over 25 years through her affiliation to the Royal Canadian Legion.  
She is a strong supporter of the LGBTQ2 movement, educating local high school students in living library programs about the process of gender transition.