2026 Award Winners

Seniors and Elders are making a difference every day in St. Albert.

The Seniors and Elders Service Award Program was formalized through council policy C-CS-24 to recognize their valuable contribution to our community, and to encourage volunteering, civic participation and service to seniors in the city.

View the 2026 Seniors and Elders Service Award Program Winners below:

Mary Delanghe

Mary is an extraordinary volunteer at Everitt Gardens whose compassion, energy and generosity have made a lasting impact on our community. Since beginning her volunteer work in February 2025, she has visited residents three to five times a week, bringing joy, connection and comfort to all levels of care.

A retired nurse, Mary, has a remarkable ability to connect with seniors, including those living with dementia. Through dance classes, games, gardening, and simple companionship, she transforms everyday moments into meaningful experiences. She doesn’t just volunteer her time, she builds relationships and creates a true sense of belonging. We are proud to recognize Mary with the Seniors and Elders Service Award.

Verla Carter

Verla has been a dedicated and engaged member of the St. Albert community for over 24 years. Though long retired, she continues to generously share her skills through the Friends of the St. Albert Public Library and several local choirs, including Forte Plus, Cleopatra and So Noted Singers.

From design and organization to fundraising and community connection, Verla is the quiet force that keeps everything running smoothly. With grace, patience and a true spirit of service, she strengthens community, supports local charities and brings people together. We are proud to recognize Verla with the Seniors and Elders Service Award.

Wayne McCutcheon

Wayne has been a dedicated Board Member with the St. Albert Seniors Association for the past nine years and is a familiar, welcoming presence in everything the association does. Each week, he volunteers as kitchen help on Fridays and can often be found bartending at social events. He is always ready to lend a hand.

Beyond this, Wayne volunteers at many other places with Rotary fundraisers, supports the Humane Society and more. He is a passionate advocate for both seniors and animal well‑being. Known for his easy‑going nature and generosity with his time, he connects seniors to the resources they need and makes everyone feel welcome. We are pleased to honour Wayne with this Seniors and Elders Service Award.

Joel McGovern

Joel has been a committed St. Albert resident and community volunteer since moving here in 1999 with his wife, Catharine. While working full‑time for the Alberta Medical Association, he has dedicated more than ten years of service to the St. Albert Men’s Slow-pitch Association and the Meadowview Ball Diamonds.

After serving as a Board Director, Joel stepped into the role of President in 2017 and led the league through one of its most challenging periods, including the COVID‑19 pandemic, ensuring the organization not only survived, but remained strong. Through tireless volunteer hours, successful fundraising, facility improvements and collaborative leadership, he helped preserve a vital community space for players of all ages. We are pleased to honour Joel with this Seniors and Elders Service Award.

Ahmad Kayode Sanni

Ahmad is deeply committed to community service and nonprofit leadership in St. Albert and beyond. He serves as Chairperson of the St. Albert and District Further Education Board, and Chair of the Arts and Heritage Foundation of St. Albert. He is the immediate past Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Nigeria Canadian Association of Edmonton, as well as a pioneer Vice President of the Africans and African Descendant Friendship Club of St. Albert.

Through his exemplary leadership, Ahmad has expanded access to adult learning, promoted and preserved local culture, and fostered inclusive spaces where seniors, families and newcomers feel welcomed and connected. Known for his integrity, collaboration and long‑term vision, he has built lasting organizations that serve both present and future generations.

A devoted husband to Rasheedah and proud father of four (including a twin), Ahmed embodies service above self. We are honoured to recognize him with this Seniors and Elders Service Award.

Fred Demott

Fred has been a dedicated community volunteer in St. Albert for nearly four decades. Since moving here in 1986, he has given countless hours of service through the Canadian Progress Club, where he served in numerous leadership roles and helped strengthen programs supporting children, families and community causes.

Today, Fred continues his commitment through Canadian Progress Charities for Children, proving that his passion for giving back has never slowed. Known for his reliability, humility and steady presence, he leads by example and inspires others to serve. His lifelong dedication has helped shape the spirit of volunteerism in St. Albert, making him richly deserving of this Seniors Service Award.

Doug Campbell

Doug has been a long‑time resident of St. Albert and a dedicated community builder throughout his life. Before retirement, he worked in the non‑profit sector with organizations such as Scouts Canada, the St. Albert Youth Community Centre and the Arts and Heritage Foundation.

A committed Rotarian for many years, Doug has led initiatives both locally and at the district level. He currently serves as President of the St. Albert Sturgeon Community Foundation, chairs the City’s Cultivate Arts Committee, and volunteers annually at the Children’s Festival. Known for quietly stepping in wherever help is needed, he consistently goes above and beyond to support individuals and organizations across our community. We are pleased to honour Doug with this Seniors and Elders Service Award.

Ron Marrese

Ron began volunteering with the St. Albert Sturgeon Hospice Association (SASHA) in September 2024, following the loss of his son. What began as a step toward his own healing soon became a commitment to supporting others facing grief. Since then, he has contributed more than 290 volunteer hours to this St. Albert cause.

Ron plays a key leadership role in SASHA’s grief walks, organizing weekly gatherings in accessible, welcoming spaces and offering warmth, compassion and thoughtful reflection to participants, many of them, seniors. He also supports memorial services at Foyer Lacombe, extending comfort to families during life’s most difficult moments. Through empathy, presence and service, Ron has helped build a more compassionate and connected community, and we are proud to recognize him with this Seniors and Elders Service Award.

Maryann Sabourin

Maryann began volunteering with the St. Albert Sturgeon Hospice Association in 2023 and has since contributed more than 485 hours of dedicated service to our community. Through one‑on‑one support, companionship at Foyer Lacombe and participation in memorial services and community events, she has brought comfort, dignity and connection to seniors and families experiencing grief.

Known for her kindness, reliability and gentle presence, Maryann has a remarkable ability to make people feel truly seen and cared for, often continuing her support well beyond what is asked. Her compassion reduces isolation and fosters belonging during vulnerable times. We are honoured to recognize Maryann with this Seniors and Elders Service Award.

Lyn Druett

Lyn has demonstrated extraordinary service to St. Albert through both environmental leadership and compassionate community care. Since 2018, she has served as a Board Member with the Big Lake Environmental Support Society, helping to protect Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park and preserve natural spaces that enhance quality of life for residents, including seniors.

Beyond environmental stewardship, Lyn has contributed over 140 volunteer hours with the St. Albert Grief Walks, offering quiet presence, thoughtful reflection and deep compassion to those navigating loss. Through her openness, integrity and willingness to walk alongside others, she has created space for healing, connection and belonging. We are privileged to recognize Lyn with this Seniors and Elders Service Award.

Tony Druett

Tony has been a dedicated environmental steward and community volunteer in St. Albert, serving on the Board of Directors of the Big Lake Environmental Support Society since 2018. His commitment to protecting Big Lake reflects years of thoughtful leadership and care for the natural spaces that bring people together.

Since 2024, Tony has also played a foundational role in the St. Albert Grief Walks, sharing more than 140 volunteer hours. Offering steady presence, kindness and deep compassion, he walks alongside those navigating loss, creating safe, welcoming spaces. Through humility and service, Tony has made a lasting impact on the bereaving community, and we are proud to recognize him with this Seniors and Elders Service Award.

Laura Mariner

Laura is Chair of the St. Albert Bereavement Fellowship and a key leader of the St. Albert Grief Walks since planning began in 2024. She has helped build partnerships that support seniors and others' navigating loss.

With too many volunteer hours to count, Laura brings steady, compassionate presence, sharing reflection, listening deeply and helping ensure no one grieves alone. Through her board service and the Older Adult Working Group, she helps strengthen supports and address service gaps in St. Albert. We are delighted to recognize Laura with this Seniors and Elders Service Award.

Karen Hebert

Karen has demonstrated a lifelong passion for the arts and a deep commitment to St. Albert’s cultural community. After retiring from a successful career in banking, she devoted her time and talents to The Arden Theatre, volunteering as an usher and House Manager and welcoming patrons with warmth and enthusiasm.

She also volunteered for the Children’s Festival for 10 years as Feature Performance Captain. In 2018, Karen joined the Friends of the Arden Board of Directors and went on to serve as President for six years, inspiring others to get involved. She continues to enrich St. Albert’s cultural life through her dedication and service, and we are pleased to recognize her with this Seniors and Elders Service Award.