The City of Airdrie held its annual Volunteer of the Year presentation on April 19, at the Bert Church Theatre.

Many deserving volunteers were nominated and their efforts recognized. However, the award was presented to Martin Durocher, who we are very honored to have volunteering at the Airdrie Food Bank.

Martin was instrumental in organizing the construction and move of the Airdrie Family Services during the early part of 2006 and gave almost 400 hours to that project.

Then, in the fall of 2006, when the Airdrie Food Bank needed a volunteer to oversee the construction of its new facility, Martin again stepped up to the plate with over 400 hours of volunteer time in 2 months to see us meet a tight deadline for our own move.

This community would be much poorer without the Durochers. Martin and his Margo are also foster parents and were named Foster Family of the Year in 2005. The Durochers also coordinate the Airdrie and area foster parent support group, as well as other Foster Parent and Family Service organizations. Once a month Martin and his family volunteer to cater lunch to 100 people in the Forest Lawn area, promoting support for families that might be at risk.

Martin is a realtor with Remax Central (Calgary).

Congratulations, Martin! You so deserve the recognition for your contributions to all those around you. Thank you so much!!

Current Volunteer Activities of Martin Durocher

· Calgary and District Foster Parents Association

Martin currently is serving as president. The purpose of this association is to support foster families and advocate for the betterment of all children in foster care.

· Calgary and Area Child and Family Services Authority

Martin is currently a volunteer trainer and helps train foster parents in their parenting skills.

· Airdrie and Surrounding Area Foster Parents Support Group

Currently Martin is one of the volunteer coordinators of this group. This group meets once a month to help support foster families in the Airdrie area

· Airdrie Food Bank

In 2006 - 2007, the Airdrie Food Bank needed to find a space to relocate. Martin volunteered his time and talents as the Project Manager to head up a team of enthusiastic people to design and construct this new facility to meet the needs in Airdrie.

· Feeding at risk families

Once a month Martin and his family volunteer to cater lunch to 100 people in the Forest Lawn area, promoting support for families that might be at risk.

Past Volunteer Activities of Martin Durocher

· Airdrie Fire Department

Volunteer for 12 years

· Airdrie EMS

EMT

· Parks and Recreation Board

Served on board for 3 years

· Master Plan for Airdrie

Served on board for 3 years

· Airdrie Soccer

Coached various Airdrie teams for 6 years

· Airdrie Judo Club

Served on Board of Directors for 6 years

· Entheos Retreat Center

Served on Board of Directors for 3 years

· Anglican Church

· Served on the Executive Committee for the Anglican Diocese

· In 1983 was on a team of volunteers that built the St. Francis of Assisi Anglican Church in Airdrie

· Served the Anglican Church in a variety of other volunteer positions

· Alberta Foster Parent Association

In 2004 Martin was the volunteer supervisor to coordinate and complete the flood restoration to the AFPA Children's James River Retreat Camp. The camp is slated to open 2008 thanks to many faithful volunteers.

· Airdrie Family Services

In 2005 Martin volunteered his time & talents to help Airdrie Family Services redesign, renovate and move into a new facility to meet their many needs.