Volunteers are the backbone of what makes a community great and you have the chance nominate them for their efforts for a provincial award.

The Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards are back for another year.

Spokesperson for the awards Rick Walters says there's six awards up for grabs.

"Somebody nominates an individual that they feel is worthy of a Stars of Alberta award," he says. "There's three different categories, a youth, senior and an adult category."

Those looking to nominate someone do have some time as the application deadline isn't till September 20 but Walters says get your nominations in early.

"There's a selection committee that juries the nominees which makes for a very interesting process in terms of there's so many wonderful stories and so many great individuals that volunteer throughout our province and so it's always tough to choose but at the end there's six award winners every year."

Some of the criteria for the awards are exemplifying the spirit of community service, serving as a role model for others in his or her community and inspires others to engage in volunteer service.

Walters says the selection committee will make their decision in the winter.

"The awards are granted on December 5 which is National Volunteer Day. Usually we have a celebration reception for the individuals at a government house in Edmonton for the last couple of years."

For a link to the Stars of Alberta Awards click here.

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