The parent committee of the Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron 185 Olds received a special award last week from provincial command recognizing the committee's efforts.
The award is given out annually to recognize parent volunteers who work hard to give cadets the best experience possible, said Roger Thompson, director of central wing, Air Cadet League Alberta.
“It's free for the cadets to join the program, but there's a certain amount of fundraising and work that goes on behind the scenes that the parents are expected to do to deliver the best program that they can for the cadets. (The award) gives thanks to the parents,” he said.
In the spring of each year, parent committees are invited to fill out an online form noting what they have accomplished throughout the year. A committee then evaluates the submissions and picks the one the committee deems has done the most for the cadets that year.
“We want to recognize them for the hard work they do to bring that program to the kids,” he said.
Paul Smith, chair of the Olds parent committee, said the award reflects on the past accomplishments of the committee.
“It kind of sets the standard of what we have to do in the future. The past committee did an excellent job at fundraising, the cadet support and squadron support. It sets the standard high for us to meet it and hopefully exceed it,” he said.
David Olsen, one of the officers who oversees the cadets, said the award is a reflection of the community inasmuch as it shows that there are many parents willing to work hard to make the program as successful as it can be. In addition to Olds, the squadron draws participants from Sundre, Didsbury, Carstairs and other surrounding areas.
“It's good to have the parents' support,” he said.
"It kind of sets the standard of what we have to do in the future. The past committee did an excellent job at fundraising, the cadet support and squadron support."Paul Smith, chair, RCAC 185 parent committee
