Renee MacCormack has been named the very first Star of Sparwood. MacCormack is well known in the community for organising Coal Miner Days, as well as other volunteer efforts around Sparwood.
“It’s nice to know that people have recognised the effort I put in,” said MacCormack. “I’m going to do those things whether I get recognised or not, but just being recognised was quite humbling actually.”
The driving force behind Sparwood’s annual Coal Miner Days for many years now, MacCormack is already working towards the 2013 celebrations. She remarked, “As a kid, [Coal Miner Days] was probably the highlight of my year, I loved it. I wanted to continue to have an event like that for my kids and other kids here.”
MacCormack currently works as a substitute teacher, and when she isn’t teaching, spends her time volunteering at both schools in Sparwood. She also coaches t-ball in the spring and commented, “I’m hoping my numbers will grow and we can continue to bring baseball back here.”
The Star of Sparwood award was presented at the second annual Sparwood Appreciation Day, put on by Vantage Point on September 22. MacCormack also received a family trip for four to Fairmont Hot Springs.
The award was created as a part of the Vantage Point sponsored initiative, ‘I Love Sparwood’ and is meant to go to a resident who makes a difference and contributes to the community.
“It’s extremely important because, for one, it shows that Vantage Point is willing to be a part of this community and recognise members of the community,” MacCormack said. “It also sort of allows for networking with other people to become involved in other projects.”
Nominated alongside MacCormack was Amy Cardozo, owner of local business Crumbs Cakery. An online Facebook poll decided the winner, and with hundreds of Sparwood residents placing their votes, the first ever Star of Sparwood award was an overwhelming success.