Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize one of Red Deer—Mountain View's outstanding community leaders, a lifelong friend and neighbour, Gloria Beck.
Last week, Gloria was named Red Deer Citizen of the Year at the Rotary Club's annual gala.
As the owner of Parkland Nurseries & Garden Centre, Gloria has enriched our lives with not only the beauty of nature, but also as a shining example of how one cares for the less fortunate. She has touched the lives of so many of her fellow Albertans through her work with numerous local charities like Habitat for Humanity, the women's shelter, local food banks, and the Canadian Cancer Society. She has also been a great supporter of Red Deer College and has been an outstanding director on the Olds College board, as noted by outgoing Olds College president Tom Thompson.
Gloria was also the first female president of the downtown Rotary Club, as well as the first female president of the International Garden Centre Association.
On behalf of all Albertans, I salute Gloria Beck. She makes us all proud.