Rob Aronson, Founder & Executive Director, receives Western Legacy Award

Each year the Calgary Stampede, through its Western Legacy Awards, honours individuals and organizations that demonstrate significant achievement in promoting western values and preserving our western heritage within the community.

“All of our finalists have been instrumental in building and strengthening our communities,” says Bonnie Laycock, Western Legacy Awards chair, “and this year’s recipients stand out for their exemplary contribution to our western values and heritage.”

Western Legacy Awards were presented to the following recipients:

Youth – Rob Aronson. Aronson’s Spread the Love organization has been bringing nourishment to the hungry in our community for more than five years.

Innovation - The Cheadle Lions Club. The 2007 Canadian Foodgrains Bank project helped organizations address the need for food and improved farm practices locally and around the world.

Sustained Contribution - Dr. Margaret (Marmie) Hess. Dr. Hess’ was recognized for the lifelong commitment to volunteerism, education, art, history and ranching.

“I really think that all Canadians are hospitable, but specifically here in Alberta, in the west,” says Aronson. “I think we’re really well known for opening up our arms.”

A long-time volunteer, including with the Calgary Stampede, Dr. Hess credits her western values to her roots and her relationships. “I think the reason we treasure our heritage is everything has to have roots,” she says. “In the first place, none of us can live alone”.

The Calgary Stampede Western Legacy Awards were established in 2005 to honour community members who exemplify western heritage and values.