Citizen Volunteer of the Year

Nominee Submissions closed March 1, 2025.

Thank you to everyone who Submitted their Nomination(s) Online, or printed the Nomination PDF Form and submitted completed forms to communityservices@olds.ca

Youth Citizen Volunteer of the Year - Mukulu Shamvu

Mukulu has consistently demonstrated outstanding communication and public speaking skills, which have been showcased in various capacities. He has served as an emcee for several events, including the Horizons Conference in 2023 and 2024, the Ecole Olds High School Winter Band Concert, and as an auctioneer at Home Church and the local middle school. His ability to engage and captivate audiences is truly remarkable.

Mukulu has exhibited remarkable leadership within both his school and community. As a Flight Sergeant with the local Air Cadet Squadron, he has shown exemplary commitment and responsibility. Additionally, his involvement in various extracurricular activities such as the Canadian Student Leadership Conference, Horizons conference, church youth group, Broncos club basketball, and EOHS Leadership demonstrates his dedication to personal and community development.

Mukulu is not only a leader in extracurricular activities but also excels academically. He has received numerous academic awards, including the Grade 9 and 10 French Language Arts Highest Standing, the Grade 10 Award of Overall Excellence, and the Grade 11 Lifetouch Award for the second-highest average in Blue Quad Grade 11. His commitment to academic excellence is truly commendable.

Citizen Volunteer of the Year - Betty Baril

Betty is a member of the Kiwanis Club and goes above and beyond what is expected of a volunteer. Betty has served Kiwanis as a Director, Vice President, President, and Past President. 

Concessions are one of the ways Kiwanis raises money, and Betty is always among the first to sign up. She also volunteers at other events the club participates in: 

• Preparing hotdogs for July celebration 
• Signing up for concession events at the ORE (always first) 
• Creating the volunteer sign up documents. 
• Opening the kitchen  
• Setting up the work areas, putting up signage, bringing the float  
• Working her shifts; often double shifts when volunteers are short.  
• Staying to the very last for cleaning up.

Betty is passionate about the “Breakfast for Learners” program. She gathers volunteers, takes inventory, and purchases supplies. She is the first to arrive and begins set up. Her interactions with the students are genuine and caring.

Betty serves on the board of the Olds Kiwanis Music Festival, where she creates the volunteer sheet and covers several shifts herself. Betty is always willing to help however she can and is known for being a supportive, cooperative presence.. 

She lives next door to an elderly neighbor and while he was alive, made sure he was okay. He knew he could count on Betty in an emergency and trusted her enough to give her access to his house.  

Betty does more than her part to help keep Olds the best place to live. Her dedication and volunteer spirit are what make her a deserving Citizen Volunteer of the Year.

Senior Citizen of the Year - Mary Devolin

Mary has been a volunteer with Alberta Health Services in long-term care since retiring as a nurse at the Olds Hospital. She has also been an active member of several support groups in town.

Her quiet, friendly manner and quick smile make her a welcome visitor among all the residents. Mary has a gift for recognizing those who need someone to talk to.

You can regularly find her playing crib with several happy residents, portering them to church services, serving coffee and dessert for various celebrations.

She’s always ready with a listening ear and willing to help in whatever way she can..

Mary was instrumental in the development and ongoing support of the Parkinson’s support group here in Olds for he last 16 years.

She is also a valued member of the Care Givers Support Group and was one of the key individuals involved in its formation and continued development.