From local citizens and small family-run businesses, to fundraising events, this year’s Best of Airdrie Readers’ Choice Awards winners are all about community.
As Airdrie continues to grow exponentially, current community members welcome newcomers with open arms. No matter how large Airdrie seems to become, one thing that never changes is the small-town atmosphere that comes with living in the ever-growing city.
Airdrie citizens are all about giving back to the community, and helping out when and where they can. Our winners in this year’s contest showcase that attitude in spades.
Dawnie McElligott, the owner of At Dawn Wellness Centre – which won the gold award for best day spa/massage therapy – believes part of the reason her business won was due to the community outreach she and the therapist employed at her centre do each year.
For best citizen winner Wendy Contant, volunteering fills her with joy and makes her soul glow. Helping out in any way she can, Contant said when she is having a bad day, volunteering is what brings her cheer and improves her mood.
The 100 Airdrie Men Who Give a Damn won gold as the best fundraising event. Now regularly boasting over 100 men who care about the community, the group donates at least $10,000 to a local Airdrie charity every quarter. Derrick Greenwood, the 100 Airdrie Men ambassador, said a community is only as good as its members; therefore, those who can help should be assisting those in need.
With organizations and citizens working hard to serve Airdrie, one thing that will never change is the way citizens support and uplift each other.
Although the Best of Airdrie Readers’ Choice Awards is a competition, it is also a chance to recognize those in the community who are doing standout work. Each and every nominee continues to do their part to help their fellow citizens, and should be celebrated for it.
