Banff residents gathered to celebrate some of the shining stars within their community, Tuesday (Oct. 25) at Banff Community High School.
The Banff Canmore Community Foundation hosted its SHINE awards evening, where SHINE (Share, Help, Inspire, Nurture, Enrich) awards went to Amar Athwal, David Blair, Irene Martin, Yvonne Machuk, Jim Olver, Katie Tuff, Yuka Ozawa, Mia Hoffmanova, Randy Scriber, René Dumont and the Banff Greenhouse Gardening Society (profiles were published in the Oct. 13 and 20 RMO).
In congratulating the 2016 SHINErs, Bill Fisher, the foundation’s chairperson, said since 2005, awards have gone to 52 individuals and three groups within Banff.
“They have made Banff brighter and warmer. This program is about inclusion, it’s about building a sense of belonging, and recognizing the many ways individuals give back.
“This program is about more than volunteering, it’s about the people who shine.”
Mayor Karen Sorensen was also on hand to congratulate those nominated and voted upon by a committee, as award winners.
“I am honoured to be here tonight to recognize and celebrate the wonderful members of our community who work so hard to make a difference in the lives of those around them,” said Sorensen.
“It makes me so proud that our community comes together like this every year to celebrate our friends and neighbours, and all that they do for Banff. It shows what a strong, vibrant community we have, made up of individuals and groups who go above and beyond in their daily lives to help and inspire those around them.
“I often tell visitors how privileged we feel to live in Canada’s first, and finest, national park. We are surrounded by spectacular nature, and we spend every day in a place people from around world dream of visiting.
“But I also tell them we are a real community, made up of all ages, all cultures, all walks of life, all interests, and one huge shared passion for our town.”
While Banff is world-renowned as a tourist destination, Sorensen said it’s the residents of the mountain town that make it special; those who do something extra to ensure everyone has a place within the town.
“I know that each of you give selflessly and gladly, without thought of return or recognition. Your contributions enrich all our lives and help make Banff a better place,” she said.
For 2016, the committee tasked with choosing this year’s SHINE Award winners included Michelle Backhouse, Lorraine Widmer-Carson, Kevin Duncan, Corrie DiManno, Lyuba Kirkova, Jill Harrison, and Ruth Pryor.
