NEIGHBOUR OF THE YEAR – COUNTY RESIDENT 2024

This is a new category of recognition, to honor a county citizen that has done much volunteerism in our Town and helps making it a better place because of their services and leadership in various or specific initiatives.

This year’s award recipient is …Trudy Woolford. Trudy is an invaluable member of the Cardston’s volunteer service community. She has given countless hours over the years to help support various causes.

Trudy’s services have greatly enriched our community. Here are some notable highlights:

Trudy has been involved as a volunteer at the Remington Carriage Museum since 2014. In 2016, she joined the Friends of the Remington Carriage Museum Board which she served on until June 2023. As a Board member, she was instrumental in organizing, planning, and presenting Party in the Park, the Remington Days, and the Carriage County Fair. Additionally, she has offered her support volunteering at the Remington Halloween Spooktacular and the Remington Easter Eggstravaganza. Even after leaving the Friends for the Remington Carriage Museum Board, Trudy still regularly checks in with museum staff to offer assistance in any way she can be of service. Over the years, it is estimated that Trudy has contributed over 512 hours of service to the Museum.

Trudy is also a member of the Festival of Lights Committee which she has served on since 2014 and is currently serving as President of the Board. She helps organize, plan, and present Cardston’s Christmas celebration. In recent years, the Festival of Lights has expanded to involve many other businesses, clubs, and groups all working together at various locations in Town and Trudy has been instrumental in this endeavour to make this such a wonderful community-oriented event.  She has been the bedrock of the Festival’s success and can be seen every year out hanging lights, setting up displays, helping fundraise, and handing out fliers in sub-zero temperatures most years.

Each year, Trudy has also volunteered with the Cardston Rotary Music Festival. Trudy has willingly volunteered as one of the secretaries for the Music Festival for the past 10 years, possibly more. She has been an asset in helping the various adjudicators and contributing to the success of the event.

Trudy has also been a long-time active member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #170 since 1995. Over that time, she has supported various fundraising efforts for local projects such as garden plants and equipment for the Cardston Hospital and education bursaries to help support young people and families in their quest for post-secondary studies. She has also helped the Legion Ladies Auxiliary host the popular bi-weekly supper at the Legion when their turn comes up in the year.  Although she not currently a member of the Ladies Auxiliary, Trudy still helps plan, prepare, and serve the meals.

Trudy is a remarkable person whose inner drive is contagious. The commitment and devotion she feels for the Town and County is admirable.

As a side note, Trudy does much amazing volunteerism in the County.  Just ask her about the “Little White Church” in Harrisville and the mapping of its cemetery for the benefit of present and future generations.

Congratulations, Trudy, on exemplifying what it means to be a “Good Neighbour!”