The Becky Housenga Rural Roots and Community Spirit Award was created to honour the memory o the former Chamber of Commerce president.
The deadline is approaching to submit nominations for the annual Fort Macleod Chamber of Commerce awards.
Nominations will be accepted until Thursday, Jan. 29 for the awards, which will be presented during a dinner in February at the community hall.
New to the awards program this year is the Becky Housenga Rural Roots and Community Spirit Award.
Steven and Kathy Doyle of ST Doyle Farms were inspired to sponsor the award in memory of Becky Housenga, a former Chamber president who died Oct. 10 in a ranching accident.
“While Becky is gone physically, her spirit lives in the hearts of all who knew and loved her,” Kathy Doyle said.
The award is intended to honour the legacy of Becky Housenga by recognizing individuals, families, businesses, or organizations whose lives and work reflect strong rural roots, community spirit, and regional pride
“This award celebrates Becky’s life and the legacy she has left for all of us,” the Doyles explained. “She and her husband, David, were active members of the Willow Creek MD, working together on their ranch south of Fort Macleod.”
“Becky was very proud of their multi-generational ranch and embraced all that was involved in its operation.”
Eligible nominees may be an individual; a family (particularly multi-generational rural families); or a rural-based business or organization residing or operating in the MD of Willow Creek.
Nominees must demonstrate one or more of the criteria in these areas:
Rural community spirit:
- Contributions that uplift the community.
- Efforts that strengthen rural–town connections.
- Support for local initiatives, events, or causes.
- A demonstrated commitment to helping others.
Generational roots and heritage preservation:
- Multi-generational involvement in rural life.
- Stewardship of land, traditions, or cultural heritage.
- Commitment to preserving rural values and history.
Rural entrepreneurial or creative spirit:
- Initiative, innovation, or craftsmanship rooted in rural life.
- Contributions through agriculture, agri-tourism, arts, rodeo, trades, or rural enterprise.
- Creative or entrepreneurial efforts that positively reflect the region.
Regional ambassadorship:
- Bringing recognition to Fort Macleod or the surrounding region at a local, provincial, or national level.
- Acting as a positive ambassador for rural Alberta and its communities.
- Demonstrating pride in place through achievements, leadership, or public representation
“Becky felt joy in helping and celebrating others,” the Doyles wrote. “She was also deeply compassionate.”
When Housenga learned about the recycling challenges faced by seniors and those with disabilities in the community and surrounding area, she established Going Green — Enviroclean, a company, that brought recycling to the doorsteps of hundreds.
Housenga also promoted Fort Macleod and the MD of Willow Creek when she presented her company on the television show Dragon’s Den.
“Becky was ambitious but knew how to pause to appreciate nature, a new born calf, a beautiful sunrise or sunset,” the Doyles wrote. “She would be that wonderful soul who makes your day with a flash of that beautiful smile and sincere hello as you passed by — friends and strangers alike.”
“She was never too busy or too focused to encourage and empower those around her. She was so very proud of the MD and the Town, individuals and businesses alike, for the heart and caring that lives here. The world is a much better place for what Becky brought to it in her short lifetime.”
Other Chamber award categories are Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, Junior Citizen of the Year, small and large business, community enhancement, employee service, new business, home-based business, agricultural business, and young entrepreneur.
Nomination forms are on the Chamber Web site at www.fortmacleodchamber.ca or at the office on Main Street.
