Community
Dexter Burden is Volunteer Central’s Volunteer of the Month
Written by Ryan Charles Parker // Photo: Red Deer Vipers
Consistency. That is what defines a person as good in whatever they choose to do. For instance, there are many good hockey players; players of such talent that it is difficult to understand why one is successful and the other not. The crucial difference that separates the two is the ability to show up every night and bring their best.
It is that way in the community. Many people donate time and money and everyone should be grateful for that. But some people do so in a significant manner. One of these people is Dexter Burden.
“When I’m in need of a volunteer,” says Michelle Skilnick, General Manager and Director of Hockey Ops for the Red Deer Vipers he’s the first one I call as I’m involved with a few different organizations and he can do more than sell 50/50s.”
He is able to do more than sell 50/50s, but he is still very good at doing so. Dexter has sold 50/50s at a large array of events. He has done the 50/50s for the Red Deer Vipers for 5 years. He also helps the club with equipment management for practice and gets to travel with the team to away games.
But this is only a fraction of the volunteer work that he has put in. As Skilnick explains, “He has volunteered at the Glencross Rodeo for 2 years, CFR for 2 years, Westerner Days Parade this year, Red Deer Rustlers Senior AA team last season, Eckville Eagles/Lacombe Generals Senior AA team 2 seasons, Hockey Alberta Foundation events, and Hockey Canada events.”
Wherever there is a what, there’s a how, and Dexter told me that he finds value in the work that he does. “I love helping others and like for other people know there (are) still people in the world that care to help.”
That is a very beautiful motive, and makes his work even more important. But he will tell you himself that he does get perks for his volunteering.
To give two examples, he worked the Memorial Cup when it was in Red Deer and had the opportunity to take a picture with now NHL star Mitch Marner, who happens to be Dexter’s favourite Maple Leaf player. And when he was working the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, he got to see the Gold Medal Game between Canada and Sweden.
Well, Volunteer Central cannot provide the presence of an elite professional hockey player, nor the thrill of a final game of an international tournament, but we can recognize someone as being the Volunteer of the Month, and Dexter surely deserves the award. Congratulations, Dexter!
Do you know a volunteer that you would like to recognize in the community? Tell us about them! Nominate an individual here: https://bit.ly/2RbzVAd
L to R: Cindy Jefferies, Susan Knopp, Lane Tomalty, Bre Fitzpatrick
Photo credit: The SnapHappy Photographer
After a decade of leadership under Cindy Jefferies and Susan Knopp, 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer (100+ WWCRD) is proud to celebrate 10 years of supporting local charities and the announcement of Bre Fitzpatrick and Lane Tomalty as its new co-leaders. This marks an exciting new chapter for the group, which has made a significant impact on not-for-profit organizations in Central Alberta.
Cindy and Susan have led 100+ WWCRD with vision, dedication, and a commitment to empowering women to lead and inspire change. Under their stewardship, the organization has raised over $630,000 for local charities by hosting 4 annual 1-hour meetings. Since 2015, more than 36 local charities have received funding through the group.
Reflecting on their tenure, Cindy and Susan stated:
“Leading 100 Women has been an honour and a privilege. When we began this journey, we didn’t know where it would go – we simply loved the simple, elegant, and fun ‘100 Who Care’ concept and thought it was a great fit for our community. We are grateful to the many women who have stood with us. They are the magic of the organization! We are confident Bre and Lane will steward this leadership role well and we look forward to supporting it – just not from behind the microphone!”
Bre and Lane bring a dynamic energy and fresh perspective to the organization. Both have been involved with the group and have been mentored by Susan and Cindy over the past year. They are eager to continue the collaboration, connection, and local support this team of women have established in Red Deer.
In their joint statement, Bre and Lane shared:
“We are humbled to step into this role and build on the incredible foundation Cindy and Susan have laid. Many needs are at the doorstep of our community and in the hearts and minds of our members. We know a powerful, caring, and united group of individuals can play a huge role in driving change and breaking barriers.
To celebrate this milestone and leadership transition, the 100+ WWCRD hosted the final meeting of 2024 on November 25th at the Red Deer Golf and Country Club. The evening featured reflections from Cindy and Susan, the selection of the Salvation Army as the charity of choice, an opportunity for members to connect with Bre and Lane as they outline their vision for the organization’s next chapter, and a toast to 10 years.
For more information, please visit www.100womenreddeer.ca
About 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer
100+ Women Who Care Red Deer is a network of compassionate, empowered, and dedicated women who make a direct, immediate, and positive impact in Red Deer and area. We support local non-profit and charitable organizations that work every day to make our community a better place to live. 100% of funds donated go to the selected charities – there are no
administration fees, and all costs are covered by the generosity of sponsors. Collectively, we make a difference.
The group meets 4 times annually for 1 hour. Non-profit and charitable organizations are nominated by members. After hearing 3 randomly drawn pitches, the members vote to select their top choice. The group with the highest number of votes receives the members’ donations. Each member or team commits to donating $100 at each meeting. Since 2015, the average raised has been more than $15,000 per meeting.
Membership is open to all women In Red Deer and area. We invite you to join us! The first meeting of 2025 will be on Monday, February 3, 2025.
Founded in February 2015, the organization currently has about 150 members. We are committed to uniting this powerful group of 100+ women who care and lifting the amazing non-profits and charitable groups they support.
Festival of Trees tickets are on sale now! Get ’em while they’re hot!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proposed $70 billion AI data centre in MD of Greenview could launch an incredible new chapter for western Canadian energy
A Potpourri of the World’s Unexposed Scandals
Australian doctor who criticized COVID jabs has his suspension reversed
Massive growth in federal workforce contributes to Ottawa’s red ink
-
Alberta1 day ago
Proposed $70 billion AI data centre in MD of Greenview could launch an incredible new chapter for western Canadian energy
-
Brownstone Institute5 hours ago
A Potpourri of the World’s Unexposed Scandals
-
Alberta1 day agoYour towing rights! AMA unveils measures to help fight predatory towing
-
conflict2 hours agoTrump has started negotiations to end the war in Ukraine
-
Economy3 hours agoThe White Pill: Big Government Can Be Defeated (Just Ask the Soviet Union)
-
COVID-1950 mins agoEsteemed UK Doctor pleads with governments to cancel COVID-19 vaccines
-
COVID-196 hours agoBiden HHS extends immunity for COVID shot manufacturers through 2029
-
Bruce Dowbiggin4 hours agoMLB’s Exploding Chequebook: Parity Is Now For Suckers