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Janessa Fyfe (Left) Mallory Kristjanson (Right) with Connecting Our Community. (Supplied by Mallory Kristjanson)

Lethbridge’s Mallory Kristjanson honoured by Alberta Northern Lights Volunteer Recognition Program

Oct 1, 2020 | 9:20 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Government of Alberta is formally recognizing the volunteer work of one woman from Lethbridge.

Several Albertans were nominated for the Alberta Northern Lights Volunteer Recognition program, and of all of them, Premier Jason Kenney chose to spotlight her.

“I am beyond honoured. When I got the email, I was shocked because there’s so many people who give back within our community and to be the recipient and to be highlighted by this award is an extreme honour,” says Kristjanson.

She has spent the last 10+ years diligently working for several volunteer causes and raising awareness for the issues she is passionate about.

It was her work to address critical needs during the COVID-19 pandemic that secured her this honour.

Kristjanson told LNN that there were many children in Lethbridge and the surrounding area that no longer had access to some of the supports they relied on such as school breakfasts and lunches, among other programs.

“A few community members such as Josh Day Chief, also Kris Versteeg, they came forward and helped financially to make sure we could connect families to different opportunities of food supply and even we had Sgt. Jim Bennett come forward from the Blood Tribe Police Service who donated ample amounts of water to get out to our homeless friends on the streets.”

She also worked with residents on the Blood Tribe to donate non-perishable food items and school supplies.

For her, volunteering has never been about getting recognition, but about helping others.

“For me, being able to be where I’m at in my life and being able to connect families and children and youths and individuals on our streets is a passion because I know what it’s like to struggle, I know what it’s like when, you know, you don’t get the opportunities like everyone else. Because of where I’m at and the friends I have and the donors who come forward, I’m able to give back to the community.”

She is not sure who exactly nominated her for this program but believes there might have been a few different people involved.

Kristjanson’s story will be shared on the Government of Alberta’s social media accounts with additional recognition by the Ministry of Culture, Multiculturalism, and Status of Women.