This evening, some of Red Deer’s most dedicated community members were recognized at the 2026 Mayor’s Recognition Awards.
The annual awards program recognizes individuals, groups and organizations whose contributions make a meaningful difference in Red Deer. This year’s recipients were honoured for their leadership, service, creativity, volunteerism and commitment to building a welcoming, vibrant and caring community.
“The Mayor’s Recognition Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the people whose generosity, compassion and leadership help shape Red Deer,” said Mayor Cindy Jefferies. “Each recipient has made a meaningful contribution to our community, whether through volunteer service, the arts, advocacy, inclusion, innovation or extraordinary achievement. On behalf of City Council, I offer my sincere congratulations and gratitude to this year’s recipients. Red Deer is stronger because of you.”
This year’s Mayor’s Special Award, the highest honour given by The City of Red Deer, was presented to:
Trudy Lewis
With a remarkable 53-year career, Trudy has been a tireless advocate for individuals with special needs, transforming education and championing inclusion in Red Deer through her leadership at Parkland School.
Harley Hay, Vanessa Higgins-Nogareda and Dr. Gustavo Nogareda
As leaders of the Time Is Life campaign, this team united the community to bring a cardiac catheterization lab to Red Deer, improving access to life-saving care for Central Albertans.
In addition to the Mayor’s Special Award, recipients were honoured in the following award categories:
Community Builder
Recognizes outstanding individuals or groups who have demonstrated special or unique qualities and who have made a difference in our community through leadership, dedication, innovation and creativity, with long term benefits.
Recipients:
- Donna Pajares
- Nieva Rosales
Distinguished Voluntary Service
Recognizes outstanding volunteers who have made a significant impact, enhanced the quality of life and/or implemented a significant positive change in Red Deer.
Recipients:
- Joan Barker
- Mike Bradford
- Zachary Buckley
- Brenda and Wayne Clark
- Matthew Elliot
- Bob Gibbens
- Barbara (Barb) Gostola
- Serena Henry
- Fatima Humida
- Sylvia Johnson
- Robin Larsen
- Kathi Ann Malpass
- Dorothy Murray
- Kiffer Neufeld
- Bev Neufeld
- NODA Vigil Coordinators (Renee Flageol, Mona Fontaine and Doug Riches)
- Beulah Phillpot
- Ibrahim Sekkat
- Mike Thibeau
- Mike Turner
Fine & Performing Arts
Recognizes individuals and groups who have gained national or international acceptance or recognition of outstanding specific achievement and/or a series of accomplishments over time in one or more of the arts.
Recipient:
- Matthew Gould
For more information about the Mayor’s Recognition Awards, visit reddeer.ca/MRA.