faces of community

What is Faces of Community?

Faces of Community is back! Launched in 2017 as a part of March Community Association Awareness month, Faces of Community aims to highlight the many different faces of community volunteers making a difference in our city’s communities.

Every day, our Faces of Community folks spend their time and passion making their communities better. They are volunteers who see the needs of their communities and proactively get involved. They are everyday people doing the extraordinary in their communities and beyond. Calgary has no shortage of volunteers; we are 20,000 strong – and volunteers deserve to be recognized for their hard work.

We are proud to recognize volunteers as Faces of Community. 

You just need to Be Bold.

how we honour faces of community

Faces of Community work tirelessly to better their communities and help their neighbours. Because of this selflessness, we want to honour the 2023 Faces of Community.

Faces of Community are honoured at an event where they receive a commemorative pin and a certificate.

The Faces of Community Pin and certificate will honour outstanding individuals who have made a remarkable difference in Calgary communities through their unwavering dedication as volunteers.

Wearing this pin with pride will allow others to recognize and identify Faces of Community in a crowd, at events, or on the street. 

Meet the 2023 faces of community

Norm Rousseau

Shawnee Evergreen Community Association

Paul Ghazar

West Springs Cougar Ridge Community Association

Nicole Marr

Copperfield-Mahogany Community Association

Kevin Jamieson

Calgary Evergreen Community Association

Tina Chow

Raymond James LTD

Sarah MacDonald

Birdgeland Riverside Community Association

Shelly Smith

Springbank Hill Community Association

Sharon Dun

Confederation Park 55+ Activity Centre

Janice Paskey

West Hillhurst Community Association

Elaine Graham

Bowness Seniors’ Centre

Calvin Melrose

Palliser-Bayview-Pumphill Community Association

Anita Raffaele

Ranchlands Community Association

Chris Welner

Glendale/Glendale Meadows Community Association

Karen Begg

Elephant Artist Relief

Dorothy Hlady

Parkdale Nifty Fifties Seniors Association

Darleen Swanson

Ogden 50+ Activity Centre

Kenneth Peach

East Village Neighbourhood Association

Peter Rowe

Calgary Rugby Union

Laurel Caddel

Botanical Gardens of Silver Spring Society

Maureen Smith

Strathcona Community Association

Shelley Bedford

Parkhill Stanley Community Association

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Norm Rousseau

2023 Faces of Community

Norm is a dedicated and tireless community volunteer who has served on the SECA Board of Directors in various roles for 22 years. With a deep knowledge of real estate and a passion for building a neighborly community, Norm has been instrumental in managing the Planning and Development work at SECA, ensuring that past promises are delivered. He is a dependable, hardworking, and giving individual who is always willing to help in any way possible. Norm’s commitment to the SECA community was recognized in 2022 when he received the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, a well-deserved honor for his many years of service.

Paul Ghazar

2023 Faces of Community

Paul is a tireless supporter of the West Springs Cougar Ridge Community, serving as its dedicated President. He has played a crucial role in shaping and nurturing the community, investing countless hours in various activities and programs. Whether behind the scenes, organizing events like Community Recycle Day or volunteering as a soccer coach, or managing important community aspects such as planning, finances, communications, and safety, Paul’s unwavering commitment has brought the community together and made it truly special.

Nicole Marr

2023 Faces of Community

Nicole is a dedicated community leader who goes above and beyond to create meaningful events and services for her community. She is highly respected for her knowledge and ability to moderate conversations in various Facebook groups, and for her strong relationships with local businesses. Nicole’s exceptional leadership skills are demonstrated in her successful execution of large events like the Stampede BBQ, and her ability to attract and engage talented volunteers who support her vision. Despite her successes, Nicole remains open to differing perspectives and challenges the status quo thoughtfully.

Kevin Jamieson

2023 Faces of Community

Kevin is a dedicated volunteer who moved to Evergreen with his wife a few years ago. He quickly became involved with the Evergreen Community Association, offering his assistance in various community events such as the Easter Egg Hunt and Community Cleanup. However, Kevin’s remarkable commitment to serving the community became evident when he took on the responsibility of installing and maintaining the community’s outdoor ice rink. Despite the absence of a board director, Kevin single-handedly dedicated countless hours to ensure the rink was operational, clearing snow, and even installing temporary lights using his own van. The ice rink has become a beloved gathering spot for numerous families in Evergreen and surrounding areas. Kevin’s self-initiative and willingness to contribute to the community exemplify the spirit of volunteerism.

Christina (Tina) Chow

2023 Faces of Community

Tina is a remarkable individual who has made a significant impact on her community through her involvement in various causes. As Chairman of the Board for Christ Church Preschool, she prioritized diversity and inclusion while providing a nurturing environment for young minds. Her swift response and leadership during the 2013 floods earned her the Alberta Hero of the Flood award. Tina’s contributions to the Kids Cancer Care Foundation, Calgary Stampede Committee, Ronald McDonald House, Mount Royal University mentorship program, and her founding of the YYC Costco Lovers group have left a lasting impact on those she has helped. Her unwavering dedication and genuine care for others make her a true Calgarian and an exceptional individual deserving of recognition.

Sarah MacDonald

2023 Faces of Community

Sarah is an exceptional volunteer with over 10 years of tireless contributions to her community. She manages her volunteer work on top of a busy family and personal life, leading with her natural born leadership skills. She has taken on 4 portfolios, including Membership, Programs, Volunteers, and Farmers Market, moving the community forward in a positive direction. Sarah’s persistence, ability to recruit others, and remarkable organizing and time management skills make her an exceptionally easy person to work with. Her pragmatic approach to tasks and bubbly personality have led to the success of many community projects. Three key highlights of her volunteer role and accomplishments include founding and being a committee member of Bridgeland Riverside Farmers’ Market, obtaining the Horizon Grant for Seniors, and making small but impactful contributions to the community.

Shelly Smith

2023 Faces of Community

Shelly is a community volunteer who spends much of her personal time working tirelessly to make Springbank Hill Community Association stronger and more vibrant. She has taken on many different roles within the association, including serving as the lead of the membership committee, where she has helped grow the association’s membership over the years. Shelly’s creativity and dedication are evident in the community newsletter she oversees, which features engaging articles, crossword puzzles, and trivia. She has also spearheaded a member email newsletter, which has become a valuable communication tool for the association. Shelly is always willing to lend a helping hand at association events and is an inspiration to others, encouraging them to think outside the box when it comes to programming for the community. Her hard work and commitment make her a valued member of the association’s board and an asset to the community.

Sharon Dun

2023 Faces of Community

Sharon’s exceptional forward-thinking mindset and tireless dedication have made her an invaluable asset to the Confederation Park 55+ Activity Centre Board of Directors. Her remarkable ability to dig in and get things done has been instrumental in bringing the organization up to date on board governance. With her extensive knowledge and experience, Sharon has gained a deep understanding of the organization’s inner workings, enabling her to contribute significantly to policy revisions, procedural improvements and the development of new Bylaws. Her unwavering commitment and countless hours of service across various committees reflect her true passion for the organization, making her a prime example of a great board member.

Janice Paskey

2023 Faces of Community

Janice is a dedicated volunteer who wholeheartedly invests her time and energy in improving the West Hillhurst community. Recognizing the transportation needs of her neighborhood, she proactively gets involved and advocates for safer options. Janice’s hard work and commitment deserve recognition. She tirelessly campaigned for a flashing crossing light at 19 St NW and 2nd Ave NW, ensuring the safety of pedestrians crossing the street. Additionally, Janice has been a vocal supporter of protected cycling lanes on Kensington Rd NW and 5 Ave NW, promoting a safer environment for cyclists. Collaborating with the Calgary Police Service, she successfully extended the playground speed limit near the West Hillhurst Community Association. Janice’s efforts have also resulted in the acquisition of a new bike rack for the WHCA, further enhancing the amenities available to the community.

Elaine Graham

2023 Faces of Community

Elaine is a proactive individual who builds bridges between volunteer organizations in Bowness. With years of support for the Bowness Lions Club and her role at the Bowness Seniors’ Centre, she actively contributes to organizing fundraisers, acts as a liaison between the Lions and the Seniors’ Centre for joint functions and helps develop the Seniors’ Centre’s online presence. Elaine’s problem-solving mindset and dedication make her an invaluable asset to the Bowness community, fostering collaboration and growth.

Calvin Melrose – Previous Winner

2023 Faces of Community

Cal is a distinguished Albertan who was recently awarded the QE II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal for his dedication to public service. The 92-year-old Navy veteran and former membership chairman of the United Conservative Party has been a community-minded individual for decades, serving as the Director of Lifecycle and Maintenance for the PBPCA since 2015 and volunteering for various organizations.

Anita Raffaele

2023 Faces of Community

Anita has truly been an exceptional leader in building up the Ranchlands Community Center. From upgrading the ice rink lights to tirelessly applying for grants to fund the edible forest, she has shown her passion for community time and time again. Thanks to her efforts, the community now enjoys various events, a food hamper, and the Ranchlands Food Pantry. Her exceptional planning and execution skills have made her the go-to person for all community events and programs, making her the ultimate leader of our community.

Chris Welner

2023 Faces of Community

As president of Glendale/Glendale Meadows Community Association, Chris led the association through one of its most challenging periods. When a sewage line break caused extensive damage to the hall, Chris’s commitment and hard work were nothing short of extraordinary. He dedicated nearly full-time hours to overseeing the recovery efforts, assembling and leading a team to handle everything from debris removal to liaising with the City of Calgary and contractors. His expertise in navigating complex issues, such as dealing with city services, insurance matters, legal considerations, grants and fundraising, has been invaluable. Throughout the process, Chris maintained a positive attitude, level-headedness, and an unwavering belief in the future of the hall. Despite the hall’s closure, Chris’s leadership extended beyond the board, supporting initiatives and even successfully reopening the preschool. His dedication, humor, and grace in the face of adversity make him an outstanding president who has guided the community through its most challenging moments and the ongoing hall rebuild.

Karen Begg – Previous Winner

2023 Faces of Community

Karen is a dedicated community volunteer who has made a lasting impact on our city. Her unwavering commitment, passion, and countless hours of service have improved the lives of many. She is being awarded for her exceptional volunteer work with EAR (Elephant Artist Relief). From organizing community events to establishing food pantries and communal gardens, Karen’s efforts exemplify the spirit of community service. She is a role model and her selfless contributions, including her work with EAR, have enhanced the overall quality of life for countless individuals.

Dorothy Hlady

2023 Faces of Community

Dorothy Hlady is an exceptional volunteer and board member at the Parkdale Nifty Fifties Seniors Association, dedicating over 10 years to creating and organizing remarkable monthly events for seniors in the community. As the manager of the social committee, Dorothy’s contributions have been instrumental in the association’s success. Recognizing the impact of the pandemic on seniors’ mental health and isolation, Dorothy played a significant role in reopening the association after the closure, resulting in record numbers of attendees and increased membership. Her tireless dedication shines through her coordination with staff, booking entertainment, designing menus, sourcing decorations, and recruiting volunteers. Dorothy’s attention to detail extends to creating event posters and personalized thank-you notes for every volunteer. Her efforts have not only provided enjoyable and well-executed events but have also fostered a sense of community and joy for seniors. The Parkdale Nifty Fifties is immensely grateful for Dorothy’s selfless contributions and believes she deserves public recognition for her outstanding commitment.

Darleen Swanson

2023 Faces of Community

Darleen is an exceptional volunteer whose dedication and unwavering commitment make her an invaluable asset to the Ogden 50+ Activity Centre. Her innate understanding of the centre’s needs is truly remarkable, as she anticipates and takes care of tasks without even being asked. Darleen’s contributions are evident in every aspect of the centre’s operations. From ensuring we have beautiful decorations for various occasions to meticulously maintaining a clean kitchen, she leaves no stone unturned. Whether it’s restocking supplies or managing the water softener, Darleen’s attention to detail and proactive approach ensure that everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Her remarkable ability to stay on top of tasks that keep the centre running is truly commendable.

Kenneth Peach

2023 Faces of Community

Ken is a dedicated advocate for the East Village community, committed to improving the lives of all who live, work, and play in the area. As a board member of the East Village Neighbourhood Association (EVNA) since before 2021, Ken has been an active representative of the community, attending town halls, safety meetings, and engaging with local media. Ken has remained steadfast in his belief in the potential of the East Village community, working tirelessly to revitalize the EVNA’s brand and image during the pandemic. As the President of the board during 2020 and 2021, Ken led the board through a thorough assessment of its finances, marketing strategies, bylaws, and purpose. Under his leadership, the EVNA has become a thriving and vibrant organization, with motivated volunteers, new ideas, and a strong connection to the community.

Peter Rowe

2023 Faces of Community

Peter is an exceptional individual known for his selflessness and dedication to volunteer work. With over 13 years of involvement in the rugby community and the CBE, Peter has made significant contributions as the President of the Calgary Rugby Union and a member of the Rugby Alberta Board. His tireless efforts include coaching the U18 Mavericks teams, organizing coach certification courses, and actively participating in fundraisers. Peter’s leadership has not only turned around the financial status of the Calgary Rugby Union but has also contributed to the growth of rugby in southern Alberta, ensuring accessibility for all. He is a shining example of commitment and service to others.

Laurel Caddel

2023 Faces of Community

Laurel has been a dedicated member of the Botanical Gardens of Silver Springs since its early days, making significant contributions in various roles. She spends her summers working diligently in the gardens, mentoring new gardeners, and sharing her extensive knowledge with visitors. As the garden expanded to encompass over 20 gardens and 1.8 kilometers of Calgary Park, Laurel played a key role in managing a growing team of volunteers and overseeing various community activities. Her commitment, leadership, and weekly newsletters have fostered a strong sense of community among volunteers. Laurel’s passion and expertise have been instrumental in the garden’s success and transformation into a vibrant hub for horticultural education and enjoyment.

Maureen Smith

2023 Faces of Community

Maureen has dedicated endless hours to serving the communities of Strathcona, Christie, and Aspen. Her volunteer work spans a wide range of community-based events, where she not only actively participates but also plays a crucial role in raising funds to support these initiatives. Additionally, Maureen selflessly takes on the responsibility of bookkeeping for these events, ensuring their smooth operation. As she prepares to retire this year, it is fitting to honour Maureen with an award that recognizes her many years of exceptional service and contributions to the community.

Shelley Bedford

2023 Faces of Community

Shelley has been an exceptional and dedicated board member of the Parkhill Stanley Community Association for over a decade, serving as the heart and driving force behind the organization. Her unwavering commitment to the community has made her a passionate advocate, community builder, and a true doer of all things. Despite facing numerous challenges, including a dwindling volunteer board and the impact of the pandemic, Shelley stepped up and took on additional responsibilities, single-handedly ensuring the smooth functioning of the association. Recognizing the need for support, she proactively reached out to the community, successfully recruiting a large board and a growing group of volunteers. Shelley’s tireless commitment and foresight have breathed new life into the association, making her truly deserving of the nomination and recognition for her remarkable achievements.