MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - The county has officially recognized two outstanding volunteers who showed “selfless dedication to the community” during the weeks-long response to the devastating Canada Day tornado north of Carstairs.
Lance G. Douglas and Dianne Engel-Kimmel were each presented with the Tornado Volunteer Award during a ceremony in council chambers on Aug. 23.
The July 1 tornado destroyed several houses and heavily damaged buildings, farm machinery, vehicles and other property over a widespread area.
Reeve Angela Aalbers called the work of Douglas and Engel-Kimmel an outstanding example of community service.
The clean up from the storm lasted more than a month, with hundreds of local and outside volunteers, companies, community groups, emergency response organizations and others involved.
Douglas and Engel-Kimmel’s efforts in arranging and organizing the cleanup initiatives made an immeasurable impact on the road to recovery for several families impacted, said Aalbers.
“These two individuals went above and beyond the call of duty, dedicating immeasurable hours to clean up efforts for what I’m sure felt like 24 hours a day, seven days a week for several weeks,” said Aalbers.
“What you have both done is just incredible. You are truly an inspiration. On behalf of Mountain View County council, staff and residents, it is my honour to present small tokens of appreciation to both Lance G. Douglas and Dianne Engel-Kimmel.”
For his part, Douglas said, “For me, I’m not special. There was a need in our county. I’m from Alberta and this is how Alberta acts. I just wanted to get out there and help in the way that we should all be helping each other.”
Fighting back tears, Engel-Kimmel said, “We were a conduit for a community that was hurting and we were able to help out. We are accepting this on behalf of all of the volunteers. We are happy to be able to help those families.”
Engel-Kimmel and Douglas each received a framed print of a county road scene painted by a local artist. The inscription on the print reads: “Presented by Mountain View County to commemorate the extraordinary spirit of volunteerism, community and selflessness demonstrated during the 2023 North Carstairs Tornado Recovery Efforts.”
Following an in-camera session at the Aug. 23 meeting, council carried the following motion: “That council nominate Lance Douglas and Dianne Engel-Kimmel for the 2023 Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards and direct administration to complete the submission prior to the nomination deadline of September 15, 2023.”
Given out by the province, the Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards recognize extraordinary Albertans whose volunteer efforts have contributed to the well-being of their community and fellow community members, say officials.
