It was a packed house at the Highwood Golf & Country Club for the Volunteer Appreciation and Awards night as it's National Volunteer Week.

There was a bit of a twist this year as there are now 5 categories instead of just the one for Volunteer of the Year.

Winner of the Senior award (65+) was John Nikulak who put in an amazing 1400 volunteer hours last year.  He spends a lot of time at the High River Hospital, helping out the Lions club, working with the High River United Church, making lunches for Food for Thought and assisting with the MS Society amongst others. Mayor Craig Snodgrass presented him with the award.

The winner in the adult category for ages 20-64 was Bobbi-Jo Zimmer who really has to juggle her time being a business owner and mother of 4 with volunteering for lacrosse, hockey, and numerous other events around High River. High River Councillor Bruce Masterman presented her with the award.

Reece Martin walked about with the Youth award (13-19) and tirelessly volunteers his time at Heaven Can Wait animal shelter and is a mentor and trainer of other volunteers there. Town Councillor Don Moore presented him with the award.

A highlight for many people in attendance was the Group award winners, the Disaster Recovery Program Advocacy Committee who logged thousands of hours since 2013 helping citizens and High River get back on their feet. Mayor Craig Snodgrass presented 3 of the committee members - Sarah Bruinsma, Eleanor Macdonald and Jim Ross with the award.

And Ethan Carter Construction took home the Business category award for spending countless hours, manpower, recources building the Community Gardens for both the north and south locations. Owner Matt Kristiansen and wife Jenn Blake were presented with their award by Highwood MLA Wayne Anderson.