Leona Kitchen of Canora was presented with the SaskEnergy Volunteer Champion Award on September 28 at Kids Korner in Canora by Jennifer Ellarma, co-ordinator of communications and funds development for the Saskatchewan Soccer Association (SSA).
Ellarma said the award program is new this year, and is part of the SSA initiative to be better connected with member organizations. Working together with SaskEnergy, the SSA encouraged member organizations around the province to submit one or more nominations for this volunteer award.
Kitchen was nominated for the award by the Canora Soccer Club executive for her work within the club as head coach, training co-ordinator and assistant manager. Outside of the club, she volunteers as head skating coach for the Canora Skate Club, and coaches hockey, track and field, and the running club. She also finds time to sit on the leisure services board, the in motion committee and is a liaison for the Kids Korner Youth Centre.
The executive committee member shared some of the reasons for nominating Kitchen for the award.
“If it weren’t for Leona, the athletic opportunities for the youth of Canora and area would be extremely limited. She juggles a full-time job, all the organizations she is involved in, and still makes time for her family and even her garden while keeping a smile on her face.”
“She is not only physically and emotionally involved and committed, she ensures that every detail is taken care of and in a timely fashion. Leona goes above and beyond being a coach and role model, and by leading by example, she helps in developing the leadership and teaching abilities of our young adults to do the same.”
“It is so very impressive to see Leona’s ability to make such an impression on the community.”
Kitchen was grateful for the award, but was quick to point out that she can’t do it alone, and receives plenty of help from other Canora Soccer Club members.
“Thank you to the executive: Tricia Bedore, Sandy Bedore, Candace Doogan, Barry Hvidston, and Taunya Kondratoff. They keep the club together and functioning. They have a vision of what they would like to see happen to this club in the future, and all change takes time. “Thank you to our coaches, we wouldn’t be able to accommodate all of our kids if I didn’t have them: Almaz Landega, Grace Medvid, Decan Cybak, Owen Popoff, Elley Carlson, and Matt and Sandy Bedore.
“Having limited soccer background, we have had to work together to attend coaching clinics and find user friendly resources to offer a structured program.
“I think it is important to have opportunities for kids to be active, learn new skills, be a part of a team and have fun. It is also important to offer opportunities for our youth to take leadership roles, for example as a soccer coach, to develop skills they can use later in life.”
Kitchen said that she thoroughly enjoys her volunteer work in helping Canora’s young people and the community in general.
In addition to recognizing volunteerism, Ellarma said it is hoped this award will encourage more people to become volunteers. She said it’s important to remember that “volunteerism is in the heart of everything we do.”
