From the Branches
MHADRTA 2023 Volunteer of the Year
Mel Deydey | President , SWARTA
MHADRTA took the opportunity to recognize one of its members for going above and beyond in volunteerism within our organization and the wider community of Medicine Hat . Henk Hof was honoured as the 2023 Volunteer of the Year with a certificate , gifts from both ARTA and MHADRTA , and a free lunch !
Nominated by MHADRTA members Annita Pinder and Donna Mae Goldade , Henk ’ s extensive volunteering was highlighted at the surprise recognition ceremony at the April 12 general meeting .
A man known for his organizational skills , Henk has been active as the treasurer of MHADRTA for more than a decade . He organizes and participates in groups that provide aid to the unhoused and disadvantaged citizens of our community . Henk organizes volunteers for the Salvation Army ’ s Feed the Needy and St . Barnabas Church ’ s Feed the Hungry programs — something he has done for the past fifteen years in retirement !
He ’ s involved as a driver for the Meals on Wheels program and is part of the Special Olympics committee . Henk is an active member of Holy Family Parish and a member of the Knights of Columbus . With this organization , he organizes bingos , pancake breakfasts , the annual picnic , and the annual corn roast .
Henk Hof presented with the volunteer of the year award
Henk was born in Holland , came to Canada as a young boy , and grew up in Grande Prairie . He came to Medicine Hat in 1967 and planned on spending three years here — it ’ s 2023 and he ’ s still here ! Henk and his wife , Rita , are the parents of three children and proud grandparents of five . A successful thirty-three-year career as a teacher and administrator at McCoy High School was followed up in retirement with substitute teaching and an abundance of tutoring in addition to volunteering . Henk loves to be busy , and now that he is no longer teaching or tutoring , MHADRTA — and the entire city of Medicine Hat — are truly blessed to be on the receiving end of his generous and unselfish gift of volunteering ! news & views SUMMER 2023 | 13