Three long-time Red Deer volunteers with Girl Guides will each be awarded a King Charles III Coronation Medal. 

Tara Nielsen, Rose Ward and Jamie Hanson will be recognized in a virtual presentation on March 11, along with other recipients in Alberta whose names were put forward by Girl Guides.

The medals honour those who made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community.

All three Red Deerians, who started out as Girl Guides when they were youngsters, were surprised to receive letters earlier this month about their medals.

Nielsen, a deputy provincial commissioner with Girl Guides, said it was gratifying to receive recognition from outside Girl Guides, and receiving the coronation medal has special significance since both Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret were Girl Guides. 

Nielsen, who is a third-generation member and whose daughter is also in the program, said she had strong role models that showed her the importance and value of Girl Guides for herself and others, and that the program remains relevant today.

“We as an organization have worked really hard on adapting and changing to meet the needs of our girls and the women involved in the organization,” said Nielsen, who has been with Girl Guides for 31 years.  

Ward, who has been with Girl Guides for more than 40 years and currently trains leaders, said she continues to volunteer because she gets to help youth cope in today’s world,

“There’s so many different things that happen and change. We’re just getting them ready for adulthood,” said Ward about the all-female organization. 

“It’s a comforting and secure environment where they’re able to learn and grow and feel safe.”

She said it was fun to be part of Girl Guides right from the start. 

“I had a fantastic leader who spent time with the girls and made sure we learned some skills and did well,” Ward said. 

Hanson, who is in charge of the Girl Guides cookie program for the Parkland area and runs a guide unit, said joining Girl Guides when she was young shaped who she is today.

“Girl Guides have been a major part of my life and a great part of my life. Lots of opportunities have come out of it, new relationships and connections. I don’t think I’d be the same person if I didn’t have guiding in my life,” said Hanson, who has been with the organization for about 40 years. 

She said it’s an opportunity to be a cheerleader to let girls know they can do it. 

“I love that it gives us a chance to help young ladies explore new things that they might not get to otherwise. I get to see them grow and take what they learn and become stronger, more independent people.”