A Mountain View County councillor who sat in during the Sundre Greenwood Neighbourhood Place Society's annual general meeting last year was captivated by the group's commitment to community.
“It's a fantastic organization,” said Coun. Angela Aalbers, adding she was inspired by the society's dedication and the time its members invest in helping people.
“The volunteers who work there and the work they do for the town and county is great — they're very passionate.”
After again attending this year's annual general meeting, the Division 5 councillor told the Gazette last week she became “hooked” and irreversibly convinced about the importance of becoming a part of the organization.
“It's a good opportunity to branch out and for the county to get more involved in the social aspects of the West Country,” she said.
Mountain View County already pursues a number of initiatives through funding and different grant programs, but this is an ideal chance to be a bit more hands-on as well as more involved at the table, she said.
The society provides a valuable service not only to Sundre but also to county residents, she said.
“It's such a unique service that supports the family and supports the community. It's all focused around social health and well-being,” she said.
Such a service is crucial for any community at the best of times, but even more so during extended economic downturns like the one Alberta has found itself in since the price of oil tumbled. Residents need to have an accessible — and if need be confidential — community resource to help them out with any issues they might be experiencing, she said.
When Aalbers spoke with the Gazette on July 13, she was sitting on the society's board as an individual, but council officially approved her status as a county representative later that day during its regular meeting.
“We feel it's important that county council has more insight on the needs, work, and services that we provide for county residents,” said Marita Stermann, the society's executive director.
Having a more direct line of communication with the county is a big improvement. The county provides funding to GNP through Family and Community Support Services, and the society administers those funds, she said.
“So there is a big interest that the county should have on how dollars are being spent. It will give them a say in directing where monies go as well as setting priorities.”
Having representation on the board will also allow the county to more confidently be able to assure its residents that they are being looked after.
The society hears from county residents about the issues they face, which range from more serious matters like elder abuse to frequently asked questions regarding access to available services and programs.
That means Aalbers will be able to return to the county with such information, which could in turn help to guide council's hand, she said.
But as beneficial as the councillor's representation on the board will be for council, it will also present a benefit for GNP as well since the society will have a better grasp of what county officials are working on that the organization should be aware of.
It's another network and a more open as well as direct line of communication with the county, she said.
The society's executive director says the councillor is a perfect fit.
“She will be a great communicator” and also has a vested interest to represent the county's constituents, said Stermann, adding that Aalbers played an instrumental role in obtaining about $1,000 of funding for the upcoming Snake Hill Slam, which is a fun, family-oriented fitness fundraising event for the society that takes place Aug. 27.
Stermann also described Aalbers as a knowledgeable and strong advocate for the region.
“We really appreciate bringing that kind of expertise to the board,” she said.
“We foresee a great working relationship — it makes us stronger as an organization. It's mutually beneficial. We are working on the same outcome to look after our people and their needs.”
Visit mygnp.org or call 403-638-1011 for more information about the society.
"It's a fantastic organization."Angela AalbersMVC councillor
