WESTLOCK — Small town, rural Albertans are making a difference today and Jarvie native Jodie McFadzen is one of them.
The 44-year-old entrepreneur, who now lives and works in St. Albert, was recently recognized by the province for her contributions as one of several recipients of the Queen Elizbeth II's Platinum Jubilee Medal. She was presented with the medal in a ceremony Dec. 15 at MacEwan University in Edmonton, hosted by the Alberta Enterprise Group and was nominated by the St. Albert and District Chamber of Commerce.
“I’ve always been a person to give back to different charities and organizations and the communities that I’ve lived in,” said McFazden. “For someone to nominate me for such a medal like this, it actually made me quite emotional.”
McFadzen, who attended elementary school in Dapp then R.F. Staples School, said that being recognized at a young age proves that you don’t need to live in a big city to accomplish big things and hopes her hard work, success, and perseverance in business, as well as her commitment to the community can be an inspiration for younger generations and those in small Alberta towns.
“I think it just shows that you don’t have to come from a big community, or you don’t have to be a (bigwig) person. It’s the people that quietly sit in the background but still continue to help that can be recognized too,” she said. “I don’t volunteer my time to receive stuff like this (medal). I quietly do it and try to make the world a better place.”
In addition to being a local businesswoman, McFazden is an active member of several boards at the provincial and local level and has volunteered with a number of local charities and organizations in and around St. Albert for several years, including the food bank, community drives, a school lunch program and local sports teams.
“Wherever I can help, I help out,” said McFazden.
During her time owning and operating several businesses in St. Albert, McFazden has been recognized for her business contributions and was awarded the Home-Based Business Award of Distinction in 2011 from the St. Albert and District Chamber of Commerce and the provincial Youth Entrepreneur award in 2012 from the Alberta Chambers of Commerce. She also serves on both the board of directors with the St. Albert and District Chamber of Commerce and the Alberta Chamber of Commerce.
The province recognized the significant contributions of 7,000 Albertans in 2022 to commemorate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign. The commemorative medal was created to mark the anniversary and is a way for Alberta to honour Her Majesty’s service to Canada.
The program is part of the Platinum Jubilee year celebrations, organized by the Government of Alberta and continued as planned despite the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 and officially concluded Feb. 5, 2023.
