Bragg Creek's Karen Nordgaard has become the first recipient of the Alice Modin Award for her long-term service to her community.

Nordgaard, 87, was among the 24 nominees for the new award and says she is humbled to have been named the recipient. 

She received a standing ovation while receiving the award at a luncheon at McDougall House in Calgary, Oct. 2, and was introduced by Banff-Cochrane MLA Westhead. She didn't miss the opportunity to speak with Lori Sigurdson, minister of Seniors and Housing, about the seniors housing project she is advocating in Bragg Creek.

"This award may help us in opening the government's eyes a little bit more to invest in the housing project that I'm so keen on us getting built," says Nordgaard.

Westhead introduced Nordgaard at the luncheon and said it was an honour.

"This was the first year for the Alice Modin Award and I think they couldn't have picked a better candidate than Karen. She really embodies what it means to be a community member and a strong volunteer," says Westhead. "She's an inspiration to all of us."

Carol Borschneck, chief administrative officer of the Rocky View Foundation (RVF), nominated Nordgaard for the award along with RVC division 1 councillor Liz Breakey and Sharon Bayer. She's known her for about five years while exploring the potential of establishing seniors housing in Bragg Creek.

"We're thrilled that Karen has been selected as the recipient of the inaugural Alice Modin Award," says Borschneck. "She was celebrated as an inspiring social services pioneer in the province and has been volunteering for over 65 years.

"At 87 years of age she's still volunteering in several capacilities, so I think the award is well deserved."

The foundation continues to work with Nordgaard and Bragg Creek committee members to establish the housing project and feel confident it will receive funding. It already has secured the land that was generously donated by Bragg Creek resident Dick Koetsier. It's 2.1 acres and is valued at $1 million.

There were 24 nominations for the new award. About 30 years ago, The award's namesake, Alic Modin, campaigned to launch a seniors’ day in Strathcona County that helped pave the way for a provincewide Seniors’ Week held annually in June.

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Karen Nordgaard Among Nominees for New Award