ATHABASCA – At only the age of 12, McKenzee Cole has dedicated much of her time to volunteering within her community, earning herself one of the 16 Great Kids Awards presented throughout the province.
“The Alberta government understands the importance of people helping people, and especially young people being available for their peers, for their community, and for their community at large,” Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock MLA Glenn van Dijken said as he presented Cole with her award at her great-grandparents’ house in Newbrook on July 18.
Cole remembers the day her journey into volunteering began. She about three or four years old as she recalls.
“When I saw an elderly man in Newbrook, he was having a hard time cutting wood and stuff, but I felt really bad, so I went to go help him,” Cole said in an interview the next day.
Cole’s good deeds have reached a broad range of people — from her time spent with younger kids on the playground who need someone to play with, to sending handmade cards sent to Canadian Forces members and senior centres. Cole has also donated her time and possessions to misplaced families during the Fort McMurray fire and energy to families in Ukraine when working to raise money for the Red Cross.
Within her community, Cole shovels snow, stocks wood for the elderly, and delivers meals to those who live alone, showing that her generousity touches both those around her and those sometimes considered out of reach.
“It's just nice to see somebody with such a kind heart out there working to help others all the time,” Cole’s grandmother Sandra Dafoe said.
“I was surprised because there were many other kids in Alberta that were nominated and I didn't think I was going to win,” Cole said, noting just how prestigious the award is.
“We also were shocked that she won because there were so many kids that are nominated, but it was nice to see her recognized for all the things she does,” Dafoe agreed.
The family first found out Cole was nominated in March and got the news that she’d won in early June.
“My two teachers nominated me,” Cole said, with one of the teachers attending the ceremony on July 18.
Cole’s great-grandparents also had the opportunity to watch her receive the award.
“It was nice to see them there as well,” Dafoe said.
“There are only 16 people who are awarded this recognition in the province, so you’re part of a very elite group,” van Dijken acknowledged during his speech.
He pointed out her ability to recognize the importance of generousity at such a young age, explaining how she’s “been at the forefront of wanting to help others.”
“All of these things are very much important to having a healthy, civil society that we can call home, and I hope you’re able to call the place you live home and be proud of it.”
van Dijken ensured Cole knew her value within the community with his congratulations.
“We’re proud to honour you and the service you’ve done for others with a small token of appreciation as one of the Great Kids.”
Cole’s accomplishment is listed on the Government of Alberta’s website, and she was awarded with a plaque to add to her collection of awards and recognitions which will find its home on her bedroom wall.
“When we volunteer, we do it as service to community, but it pays back so much to our inner wellbeing,” van Dijken said to close off his speech.
