Strathmore youth’s big heart and efforts recognized in Alberta
By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor
Photo Courtesy of Cecilia Moore
Since then, the Strathmore youth has bolstered up quite the resumé through various campaigns she spearheaded to support needs identified in Strathmore and area, and numerous recognitions including a 2018 Bow River Volunteerism Award this summer.
Most recently, her efforts were recognized provincially with a Stars of Alberta Volunteer Award.
“I feel very honoured because there were a lot of other people nominated who have also done a lot of great things,” Moore said, who added that she did not expect to receive the award as the two individuals who received the recognition last year were both university students with more experience.
“I get involved because it is fun, and it makes me happy to see other people in my community thriving … I also like to work with schools because it shows the kids that every small thing can make a big impact if we work together. I want to thank the community who has helped me with all my projects. I can’t do this without everyone helping me.”
Moore expressed her appreciation for the support and nomination by Strathmore town Councillor Bob Sobol and Councillor Lorraine Bauer’s attendance at the ceremony in Edmonton earlier this month.
Moore’s journey began two years ago – for her birthday she gathered and stuffed 100 purses with $7,000 worth of products for women in need at the community crisis shelter. After that things began to snowball. Under the name Em’s Donation Projects, the youngster has contributed over $15,000 to an array of community needs and established many campaigns, including Em’s Purse Project, Senior’s Secret Service Christmas Cheer Program, Em’s Bedtime Bundles, the Wheatland County Food Bank Hygiene Drive and the Hunger Sucks Campaign. While she always takes on a new initiative for her birthday – often asking for donations and monetary donations for her cause – she also volunteered for the Alberta 55+ Games, Seniors Secret Service Christmas Cheer Program, the City of Calgary’s Park and Play program, the Christmas Hamper Society and the Crowther Memorial Junior High School Student Council.
Councillor Bob Sobol has described Moore as a leader of tomorrow and said he was ecstatic that she received the award.
“I became so very impressed with the history of how and why this young lady decided to devote so much energy and time into helping people,” Councillor Sobol said. “The projects she has undertaken are so very focused on making peoples’ lives a bit happier and the fact that they started as her birthday present to herself makes them so very admirable. I felt that Emma truly exemplified the goal of this award.”
Emma’s parents said they were approached by Sobol in the spring regarding permission to put forth the nomination, and after some discussions they agreed.
“Russ and I are so proud of her and were surprised she won,” her mother Cecilia Moore said.
“Previous winners had accomplished a lot due to their age and we felt that Emma may not fit in that same category. We are so happy for her to receive this award as she works so hard in what she does. We are pleased that she has something that she feels so passionately about and feels she wants to spend her time on. She is the driver of her initiatives, and as parents that is easy to support.”
Each year, the Stars of Alberta Volunteer Award recognizes the efforts of six Alberta volunteers who have contributed significantly to the well-being of their community. Started in 2000, the awards program has recognized two individuals every year in each of three categories – youth, adult and senior – for a total of 115 people recognized. Moore said her next project will keep her busy closer to her birthday in March. To find out about her upcoming projects or how to donate, visit her Facebook page @emspurseproject.