(Fort McMurray) Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Syncrude are proud to announce the 12th nominee for the Women of Inspiration series 2013-2014:
Olive Wooden
Olive Wooden moved to Fort McMurray 28 years ago, and as of two years ago is the Executive Director of the Fort McMurray Real Estate Board.
Volunteerism is something Olive grew up with, and her volunteer portfolio keeps growing by leaps and bounds. She began her long volunteering career by joining the Association of Volunteer Managers a group similar to Volunteer Wood Buffalo. She was instrumental in helping launch the Festival of Trees 25 years ago, and in making the Girl Guides strong as well by encouraging 300 girls across town to enroll in the program. She first took over as the group’s commissioner, and later as their public relations director.
Olive moved to Anzac 18 years ago to take over the Anzac Hotel, which she named the Duck Inn. There she took care of many individuals who were not only down on their luck, but also needing a hand up to improve their lives. The Duck Inn quickly became known to the then 200 locals for its home-made cooking, and Olive helped feed 10,000 people in three days for the Winter Festival, a popular event at the time. “We made burgers, fries, hot turkey sandwiches, and soup – all from scratch. It was a festival for the whole community to come together and enjoy,” shared Olive beaming. Six years ago, she sold the hotel and went on to accomplish other pursuits, including rallying parents to fundraise for a playground in Anzac.
Olive was also involved with the Kinettes, and took her children along with her to help organize Canada Day activities. She has also served as the president of the Fort McMurray Tourism board for six years, and later received the Ambassador Award from Fort McMurray Tourism. The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo also recognized Olive as the Citizen of the Year for Anzac a few years ago in acknowledgement of her many services to our city.
Among her many projects, Olive is also a Reiki Master and a certified Louise Hay Heal Your Life Instructor. She strives to help people overcome their “dis-ease” through mind, body, and soul connections. As for her positivity, Oliver says, as a professional respiratory therapist who used to work in emergency rooms and intensive care units, she has seen life extinguished fast. “I have joy in my heart for living. I have faith in God. No matter what I experience, even sorrow, I can find joy in it. I’m placed on this earth to be of service to others. You don’t give to get,” Wooden said.
Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Syncrude will honour Olive and 11 other nominees, at the Women of Inspiration Celebration which will take place June 14th, 2014 at the Sawridge Hotel.
The Women of Inspiration is a partnership between Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Syncrude, with a goal to recognize women throughout the Wood Buffalo region who inspire others, break new ground or old barriers and help create change. The series also aims to show local girls positive role models who live right here.
To nominate a woman of inspiration, please visit our website at www.girlsincofnorthernalberta.org or contact the Girls Inc. office at 780-790-9236.
For more information, please contact:
Ann Dort-MacLean
Executive Director
Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta
Phone: 780-790-9236
Email: girlsinc@telus.net