Rhonda Fisher was presented with the Airdrie and District Victim Assistance Society (ADVAS) Golden Heart Award, Nov. 27 at the Holiday Inn Express.
The volunteer advocate team leader has been with the organization for seven years.
She mobilizes her volunteers to support victims of tragedy and crime when called upon by the RCMP.
“I love what I do,” said Fisher.
“It is a good feeling to give back and to help people. I am honoured and overwhelmed to receive this award.”
Lori Rehill, executive director of ADVAS, said Fisher is the definition of long-term volunteerism.
“She’s an absolutely amazing volunteer,” said Rehill.
“She is warm and caring and a wonderful human being. She gives so much of herself to others.”
Fisher also won the Irricana Volunteer of the Year Award, Nov. 18.
“My children are grown and this gives me something to do,” said Fisher, who lives in Irricana and works at Air-Alta Insurance in Airdrie.
“There are lots of agencies and people who need help. Agencies can’t afford to be paying employees so volunteering is important to make sure some people’s needs aren’t missed.”
The Golden Heart Award has been presented every year since 2003 in memory of Marlene Le Blanc, who served as a volunteer and staff member of ADVAS.
This award honours a volunteer for his or her outstanding selfless efforts to reach out to victims and advocates of the Society nominate the winner.
“Her peers nominated her because she is an ambassador for victims and ADVAS,” said Rehill.
“She goes above and beyond for the organization by suggesting training opportunities and is the first person to stand up and help with our advertising campaign. She really exemplifies the award.”
Fisher said volunteering is simple.
“If you have the time and you want to give, volunteering is a wonderful thing to do,” she said.
Fisher has contributed more than 160 hours of direct victim support this year, which does not include her on-call hours averaging 1,728 a year.
She takes on extra responsibilities as a team leader, mentors new volunteers during their probation and attends public awareness events to promote the programs and services of the Society.
