INNISFAIL – When Valerie Audette’s husband recently told her she had been nominated for Innisfail’s Citizen of the Year she admitted there was complete shock.
“I thought he was talking about himself because he does some volunteer work as well. I was speechless. I was completely shocked,” said Audette. “I don't do these things to be nominated for an award. I just do them because I want to and because I just like keeping busy and helping people.”
But many people in town do believe this humble lady is absolutely worthy, and an outstanding asset to the community.
And on April 25 at a special Community Awards gathering at the Innisfail Library/Learning Centre she was not only a nominee, she was absolutely proclaimed Innisfail’s 2025 Citizen of the Year.
“That was even more shocking,” Audette told the Albertan the following day during a Pancake Breakfast & Jasper Food Bank Drive event at the Innisfail United Church.
“There's so many people in this town that do so much, and I just do my little bit and never for a second expected that it would be me that would be getting that award.”
However, she was described by the awards committee as a dedicated and selfless volunteer whose quiet contributions have made a lasting impact on the Innisfail community.
It was noted Audette completes tax returns for low-income residents at no cost, offering peace of mind and crucial support.
She also runs a Little Library, ensuring books are always available to the community.
Audette regularly knits toques, and alongside members of the Innisfail Seniors Drop-in Centre, crochets plastic rugs for the homeless.
She has also been a committed volunteer with victim services, where she provides comfort and guidance to citizens facing challenging circumstances.
“Victim services was the first place I volunteered for when I retired,” said Audette, a former banker. “I really get a lot of satisfaction out of being a part of victim services. “There's so many people that when you have a tragedy and need a shoulder until your family arrives, we can be that shoulder.”
Four other community awards were also handed out by the Town of Innisfail.
Carol McKinnie, a pivotal member of the Innisfail Art Club for more than 20 years, is this year’s winner of the Arts & Culture Award.
She served as the art club’s president for seven years and her volunteer work also includes significant contributions to local organizations such as the Innisfail Lions Club and support for seniors at Autumn Grove and Sunset Manor.
Ahthlete of the Year
Hayden Sutherland is this year’s recipient of the Athlete of the Year Award.
He is a lifelong member of Innisfail’s lacrosse community and led the Junior B Tier 1 Mavericks to a provincial championship in 2024, earning recognition as the team’s top scorer throughout the playoffs.
Sutherland’s team went on to the national Junior B Tier 1 Championship tourney in Hamilton, Ont. where he earned second team all-star honours and helped the Mavericks secure a hard-earned fifth place finish.
Leaders of Tomorrow Award
Brianna Poissant is the 2025 winner of the Leaders of Tomorrow Award.
Since September 2024, she has been described as an invaluable volunteer at the Innisfail Health Centre, where she improves the lives of continuing care residents by assisting with recreation activities and supporting hydration efforts through running the refreshment cart.
The awards committee noted Poissant plays an active role in school leadership, organizing events and excelling in various volunteer roles, from event planning to fundraising.
Team, Group or Club Award
This year’s Team, Group or Club Award goes to Central Alberta Men's Shed- Innisfail.
Founded in the fall of 2022, the 52-member group has worked tirelessly in the community on projects such as building carts for the Innisfail and Area Food Bank, hosting bicycle repair workshops, and reconditioning bikes for community members.
They have also constructed birdhouses for the Innisfail Golf Club, created sensory boards for the Innisfail Health Centre’s Extended Care Facility, and built eight Little Free Libraries, which has enhanced access to books within the town.
Their work extends beyond Innisfail, having helped establish similar Men’s Sheds in Olds and Sylvan Lake.
