Volunteer of the Year

Youth Citizen Volunteer of the Year - Mukulu Shamvu

Mukulu has consistently demonstrated outstanding communication and public speaking skills, which have been highlighted 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 at 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. Betty signs up for concessions and other events Kiwanis 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 the volunteers for the program, takes inventory and purchases supplies. She is the first to arrive and starts the set up. Her interactions with the students are caring.

Betty serves on the board of the Olds Kiwanis Music Festival. She creates the volunteer sheet and covers several shifts herself. Betty will help in whatever way she can and is a cooperative volunteer. 

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

Betty is doing more than her part to help keep Olds the best place to live. Her volunteer commitments are what makes her the 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 she retired as a nurse at the Olds Hospital and has been an active member of several support groups in town.

Her quiet, friendly manner and quick smile make her a welcome visitor with all the residents, Mary recognizes the individuals that need someone to talk with.

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

She provides a listening ear and will provide help for the individual she is with.

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

Mary is a valuable member of the Care Givers Support Group and is one who was very instrumental in the formation and ongoing development of this group.