Volunteer Citizen of the Year — Finalist

Airdrie resident Simisola Obasan was honoured to be selected as a runner-up for the Direct Energy Volunteer Citizen of the Year award — a province-wide recognition given out each year in coordination with the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association (AWNA).

"I felt thankful for the recognition because service to my community has always been at the core of my life expressions in everything I do," she said. "To be recognized for it means a lot to me."

Direct Energy received over 40 nominations from more than 100 Albertan communities. Nominees are deliberated on by Direct Energy's internal volunteer committees before runners-up and final winners are chosen — "volunteers recognizing volunteers."

Obasan was recognized for her work with the Airdrie Black Community organization, her service with the Airdrie Minor Basketball Association, and her voluntary service to the City of Airdrie as a member of its Assessment Review Board. As a runner-up she was granted $500 for a charity of her choice, which she chose to donate to the Airdrie Black Community.

"I want to say thank you to Direct Energy and the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association for this recognition. I am humbled by it, and grateful to the anonymous people who nominated me for the award."