The Jasper Royal Canadian Legion and two individuals were recently recognized for their selfless service to the community.
Mayor Richard Ireland and council presented this year’s Mayor’s Recognition Awards to the recipients on Tuesday (April 15).
“This is a most pleasant opportunity for council to recognize distinguished service in the community brought forward to us by residents of the community,” Ireland said. “And although the agenda and the policy speak of the Mayor's Recognition Awards, these are, in fact, council awards to recognize members of our community.”
The staff and executives of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #31 were recognized for helping feed thousands of Jasper evacuees as well as first responders following the 2024 wildfire when residents were re-entering the townsite.
Led by Sue and Keith Henderson, Karlie Keyes, Becky Conrad and the branch executive, the Jasper Legion was open from breakfast at the crack of dawn to dinner late at night, also offering snacks for first responders and a place for the community to gather. On some days, more than 800 meals were served.
“It is an absolutely exceptional testament to the way an individual group can serve community,” Ireland said. “As one of the nominators has recognized, for them, there was no rest, just continuous service to Jasperites. It was magical to see, and we can't thank them enough.”
Clara Adriano received her award for her behind-the-scenes support of newcomers and wildfire evacuees. Ireland noted that even though she and her husband lost their business, they put others first by keeping them current with updates on supports.
“She was continually helping with relief goods and keeping others strong through such difficult times again,” he added. “As a representative of the community, helping so many others, she is so truly deserving of recognition.”
Nancy Addison was awarded for connecting more than 150 displaced Ukrainians with 80 Jasper families.
She has also raised awareness about the need to sponsor these refugees looking for safe haven in Canada and continues to encourage their inclusion in the community.
“Despite the devastating losses that we have suffered, we recognize that there are others in the world who are suffering more grievous harm than us, and Nancy has reached out and provided a welcoming home to them and has fully enriched our community by doing so,” Ireland said.
