Having been heavily involved with volunteer work in the Drumheller community for nearly her entire life, Becky Kowalchuk, is the true definition of a team player.
Kowalchuk is a lady who wears many hats. She works full-time at the Royal Tyrrell Museum, frequently devotes her time volunteering for various organizations throughout the community, and still manages to be a mother of three, all the while with a smile on her face.
“I really believe in order to make this the great community it is, we all have to chip in and share in the workload to make it a great place to live,” said Kowalchuk. “What we give to our community, we get back.”
Her involvement with Drumheller minor hockey, the 4-H club, the Olympic torch relay and the Dinosaur half marathon is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the long list of volunteer work that she’s been involved with over the years.
“It’s always nice to be in touch with the community and what’s happening,” she said.
“People are always looking for extra help, in order for these events to take place and grow.”
Despite her extensive involvement with the community, 50 year old Kowalchuk still finds the time to engage in a healthy and active lifestyle.
Last year she ran five 10 km marathons in places like Medicine Hat, Red Deer, Edmonton, Calgary and the Dinosaur 10 km in Drumheller.
“That was something off my bucket list that I was pretty excited to achieve,” said Kowalchuk.
Most recently, she was nominated for the UFA Small town hero award as a result of all of her hard work and interest in the community.
Although she unfortunately didn’t win the award, Kowalchuk was grateful to receive recognition for her efforts.
“I was very honoured.” she said. “It was really nice, because it’s an effort from so many that makes the events happen.”
Kowalchuk has served as a wonderful role model for her family, instilling in them the same winning attitude that she portrays on a day-to-day basis.
Her children are following in her footsteps as they have continued to stay actively involved within their communities, even after leaving the valley.
Kowalchuk is dead-set on her volunteer work for the Drumheller community and affirms it is something that she will continue to dedicate her time to for years to come.
“I do truly enjoy it, its something I really get a lot out of personally,” she said.
“I’m not ready to sit back in my rocking chair just yet.”
