The Riverton-Bifrost Parks and Recreation Commission celebrated the spirit of giving back this past weekend, recognizing dedicated community members at its fourth annual volunteer recognition gala.
More than 220 people gathered at the Arborg Community Centre on Saturday, March 22, to enjoy one-of-a-kind cocktails, candy bar, a charcuterie board, live music, a delicious meal, a silent auction — and to recognize the contributions of seven outstanding local volunteers.
Riverton-Bifrost Parks and Recreation Commission board chair Kyle Foster said the event was created to solve two main challenges: ensuring volunteers receive the recognition they deserve and raising funds for accessibility improvements in the region.
“We need to recognize volunteers in the community and celebrate volunteerism as a whole,” he said. “Volunteers can be hard to come by, so we wanted a way to celebrate them and everyone else.”
The gala also serves as a fundraiser to support accessibility projects throughout the Riverton-Bifrost area. Every dollar raised — from the $125 ticket sales and silent auction proceeds — goes directly toward the cause. Over the past three years, the gala has raised more than $70,000.
Past projects funded by the gala include:
- Landscaping around local facilities
- Installing accessible doors in several locations
- Installing a wheelchair lift in a curling club
- Installing an accessible washroom in a curling club
“I think it’s just fair for everybody to have access to our facilities,” said Foster. “Making our facilities more accessible, we feel, makes them usable for everyone.”
Express Photos by Corrine Einarsson
Each year, six or seven volunteers are recognized at the event. The board selects community groups, and each group chooses a volunteer to honour. Last year, the commission introduced a youth volunteerism award — the only award that requires a formal application and vote by the board.
“We get the easy part of picking the groups,” said Foster. “It’s the groups that have the hardest part of picking who to recognize.”
He said the board aims to rotate recognized groups annually, so different individuals and organizations get the chance to be appreciated.
“Year after year, it’s just people that do so much for the community,” added Foster. “It’s very nice to see. They’ve all been long-time contributors to whatever organization they’re a part of.”
This year’s honoured volunteers were:
- Tim Reimer, Rural Municipality (RM) of Bifrost-Riverton
- Tammy Ciemny, Town of Arborg
- Donna Gislason, Arborg Curling Club
- Linda Wotton, Riverton-Bifrost Recreation Commission
- Janet Helgason, Arborg Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary
- Heather Einarson, Evergreen School Division
- The 2024 Youth Volunteerism Award went to Emmalyze Barkman, representing the Arborg Bifrost Parks and Recreation Commission. Barkman, 19, is only the second recipient of the award. She was nominated by the Arborg Skating Club, where she’s volunteered for the past 10 years — assisting skaters of all ages as a personal coach and helping out in the canteen. She continues to travel home from college on weekends to volunteer.
The honourees were celebrated for their long-standing service and deep commitment to the community. Each received a plaque along with a thoughtful handmade cake for them by Dawnett Oshiway:
Reimer, principal at Moweena School, is involved in numerous community events such as the New Year’s Eve fireworks and bonfires. Known for his humility, he’s described as someone who “prefers to serve his community out of the spotlight.”
Ciemny is active in multiple local groups and events, supporting the Arborg Street Festival, the cheer board and more. She is praised for being friendly, efficient and passionate.
Express Photos by Corrine Einarsson
Gislason has volunteered with many organizations over the years, dedicating decades to the Arborg Curling Club. A bonspiel winner and coach, she shares her love of curling with the community.
Wotton, a retired teacher, is known for her dedication to keeping the community beautiful. She picks up litter, maintains town flowers, tends the memorial garden and helps protect piping plover habitat at Sandy Bar. She also serves on the Ladies Djorfung Ladies Aid and the Riverton Transportation & Heritage Centre Board.
Helgason has been the secretary of the Arborg Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary for 43 years, tirelessly fundraising and supporting the group through her deep passion for helping others.
Express Photos by Corrine Einarsson
Einarson recently retired after 35 years of volunteer coaching. She worked with more than 450 volleyball players in Arborg and Riverton, sharing her enthusiasm for sport, sportsmanship and mentorship across two generations.
This year, the commission hoped to raise around $20,000 from the gala to continue improving accessibility in the community. Foster said the evening is always a highlight and encourages other communities to host similar events.
Express Photos by Corrine Einarsson
“Volunteers do not get recognized as they should,” he said. “And they’re the backbone of our communities.”
