Wendy Contant honoured for commitment to community

Nobody at airdrielife was surprised when local gal-about-town Wendy Contant was presented with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award September 21.

Wendy was an Amazing Airdrie Women finalist a few years back and continues to do amazing things for our community.

In fact, the only person who was surprised was Contant herself when Banff-Airdrie MP Blake Richards popped in on her with the award literally while she was decorating smile cookies at Tim Horton’s.

“It’s hard to express how very grateful and appreciative I am for being recognized for doing something that brings me joy!” she says.

The 69-year-old has lived in Airdrie since 1988 and is a familiar face at many local goings-on, including various Chamber of Commerce events, AirdrieFEST, the Airdrie Health Foundation’s Light up the Night Gala and the Airdrie Homecoming Celebration.

This past year alone, she’s helped out with the Home and Lifestyle Show, the Country Music Alberta Awards, Airdrie Curling Club, the Hair Lounge kids’ haircut event, the Somewhere in Alberta Showcase for Katavallo Entertainment, various Bert Church Theatre performances and, decorating ‘smile’ cookies at Timmy’s and even working a special wrestling event for Airdrie Meals on Wheels. She didn’t wrestle, but probably would if she was asked.

“This year started off with a slow return to volunteering. It was great to be helping again after missing it the past couple of years,” says Contant. “There are so many wonderful organizations and charities in our city that require some extra help for their events or programs to be a success , so I really enjoy helping them. There are numerous positives when you volunteer and it is very rewarding.

“Airdrie has so many amazing volunteers that help regularly, and others who give their time occasionally – and it all helps!”

The Airdrie Food Bank always needs extra hands, says Contant. Organizations like Community Links and Volunteer Airdrie also have a full list of opportunities available, she says, as does Bethany Airdrie, where volunteers visit with residents, help out at mealtime or maybe call a friendly game of Bingo!

“If you haven’t yet helped out  somewhere, do try to find something as it makes your heart happy!” says Contant. “Even a little bit of your time can make a huge difference for someone.”