Passionate Heart Celebration Opens Call for Community Recognitions

Passionate Heart Celebration Opens Call for Community Recognitions  

The Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) teams at the City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie, and the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, and Wembley are calling for submissions and nominations for the annual Passionate Heart Celebration. 

The event honours remarkable individuals, teams and organizations who strengthen the social services landscape across the region. This year’s updated format features one formal award – the Chris Henderson Lifetime Service Award – along with unlimited recognitions to highlight outstanding contributions made throughout the community.  

“We are proud to recognize those who devote their time and energy to helping others,” says County Reeve Amanda McDonald. “Their efforts create positive change and make our communities better places to live.” 

“Across our region, those working in social services continue to step up for individuals and families in ways that matter,” said City of Grande Prairie Mayor, Jackie Clayton. “Their commitment has a lasting impact on our region, and these recognitions reflect our appreciation for the essential work they do each day.”  

Award and Recognition Categories: 

• Exceptional Individual: For front-line staff with two or more years of experience in policing services, child and family services, youth services, social services or education. 

• Exceptional Team: For non-profit social agencies or social services teams. 

• Exceptional Business: For businesses providing outstanding community support.  
• Chris Henderson Lifetime Service Award: For individuals with 25+ years of significant social service in the community. 

All nominees submitted for recognition in each category will be presented with certificates. In addition, the Chris Henderson Lifetime Service Award honouring an individual with 25 years of service will include a $500 donation to a charity of their choice. 

Nominations will remain open until January 16, 2026. Find nomination forms and more information at www.cityofgp.com/passionateheart and www.countygp.ab.ca/passionateheart.  

Certificates of recognition and the Lifetime Service Award will be presented during the Passionate Heart Celebration at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the Bonnetts Energy Centre in the City of Grande Prairie. Luncheon tickets priced at $30 can be purchased online at www.bonnettsenergycentre.com starting on December 8. 

All partnering municipalities look forward to celebrating those who make a meaningful and lasting impact in the social services sector. 

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Media Contact: 
Communications & Marketing 
communications@countygp.ab.ca