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Cold Lake native honoured as a Star of Alberta

It's not often Dallas Ansell is recognized for his work as a volunteer, and he is perfectly fine with that. On Dec.
Dallas Ansell (centre) was presented with the award by Lieutenant Governor Lois Mitchell (left) and the Minister of Alberta Culture and Tourism Ricardo Miranda.
Dallas Ansell (centre) was presented with the award by Lieutenant Governor Lois Mitchell (left) and the Minister of Alberta Culture and Tourism Ricardo Miranda.

It's not often Dallas Ansell is recognized for his work as a volunteer, and he is perfectly fine with that.

On Dec. 5, the Cold Lake native was both recognized and appreciated when he received a 2016 Stars of Alberta Volunteer Award for his outstanding work with youth in the Edmonton area.

“It definitely felt nice to get a little bit of extra encouragement and to (have someone) say ‘we appreciate what you are doing and keep it up,'” said Dallas.

The 24-year-old grew up in Cold Lake, and although his volunteer career didn't start until later, it was here that the seed was planted.

“I didn't really volunteer in high school, I was kind of in my own world,” he explained. “I had coaches and people in my life that were excellent volunteers that made me have a positive sporting and life experience, so I think now I am in a position that I can offer that.”

Most of Dallas' volunteer work includes sports and youth. Using the skills that he has from his years of playing hockey, he teaches kids the value of sports.

“I think sport can really be a vehicle to help a person in their walk of life no matter what that entails,” Dallas described.

Lisa Ansell said witnessing her son receive a prestigious award for volunteering feels “awesome.”

“He deserves it… he has a heart of gold,” she added. “Everything he does, he is always trying to make things better for others and it is just amazing.”

Over the years, Dallas has worked with the Alberta Sport and Recreation Association for the Blind, helping coach an athlete to the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio.

In 2014, Dallas became a group leader for a youth organization called Young Life. The group meets teens in their early years of high school, and helps guide them through “a difficult walk in their life.”

“Most of my guys right now are in Grade 11,” Dallas noted, adding he first met the students in Grade 9, and plans on keeping in touch and working with them until they graduate.

Lisa said even when her son was living in Cold Lake, he always had a passion for passing on his knowledge.

“He has always wanted to be a mentor for others, especially young people.”

She added, “Dallas doesn't necessarily want the shining light on him, but I am glad that it is. I think that he deserves to be recognized for the things that he has done and is doing, and maybe he will be an example for other young people to become involved in volunteering. I think it really changes the world.”

After walking off the ice and leaving his years as a player behind him, Dallas decided to start coaching a Bantam AA hockey team based out of Spruce Grove.

“I think that it was a time for me to stop playing,” Dallas said.

The local hockey star had played in Cold Lake and Bonnyville for around six years, but felt that it was “time to move on and try to pass on some skills.”

He currently coaches the team along with family and friends, and said he has a lot of support through them for the work that he does.

It was Dallas' friend Steven Ainsley who nominated him for the award.

“We volunteered a little bit together and we worked together, so he asked me a bunch of questions about the things that I am doing and spent a lot of time writing the recognition letter,” said Dallas, who is in his fourth year at the University of Alberta.

Whether it is coming home to a warm cooked meal or helping him coach a team, Dallas said he has an endless amount of support.

“I really have a ton of support throughout everything… and the amount of support I receive is really the only reason why I am able to put time into these things.”

Lieutenant Governor Lois Mitchell and Alberta Minister of Culture and Tourism Ricardo Miranda presented Dallas the award at the Government House in Edmonton.

“Through their commitment, dedication and passion to make a difference, the recipients of the 2016 Stars of Alberta Volunteer Award have demonstrated outstanding community spirit,” expressed Miranda. “I am proud to add my voice to the voices of all Albertans as we offer a heartfelt ‘thank you' to our volunteer stars.”

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