Many have long considered “smiling Marg” the heart of Okotoks, but now it’s official.
Marg Cox won the Heart of Okotoks award at the annual Leadership Awards on April 13 in recognition of her years of service to the community, through her work with the town and on countless volunteer groups and initiatives.
Cox said the award holds special meaning.
“It is very, very special,” she said. “I’m really grateful and honoured to be recognized with it. To me, it’s one that really speaks to being a person in the community.”
The award is handed out to an individual over 18 years or a group who shows exceptional leadership through volunteering.
Cox boasts a long-list of work supporting community events, charities and initiatives over the years, both as an individual and through her work with the Town of Okotoks.
Cox retired from the Town of Okotoks in 2012 after 28 years, part of it spent as community events coordinator. She has continued to volunteer with various community groups and causes close to her heart.
Cox said she supports organizations that play an important role in helping the community.
“For me, I believe in the charity and then I want to do something for it,” she said.
Cox said getting to work with friends and other residents also makes it all worthwhile.
“What keeps me going, it’s just the people of course that I get to see and be involved with and the work that’s being accomplished,” she said.
Cox was nominated for the award by Mark Doherty, Okotoks community events coordinator.
Doherty replaced Cox after her retirement. He said it was a big job and an even bigger honour to follow in her footsteps.
He said can’t think of anyone more deserving of the Heart of Okotoks Award.
Doherty said Cox truly cares abut the community and the people she meets.
“When you just think about Marg, she does it and she’s so humble about it,” he said. “She does it for all the right reasons. She’s not looking for a pat on the back or an award, it’s just nice to show that recognition to somebody who’s so deserving of it.”
Doherty said it’s people like Cox who build and support a community, all the while she’s never sought awards or recognition.
“She does it all with a smile,” he said. “She’ll share a laugh with you every time you see her. She’s just a great person. We’re very fortunate to have her in our community.”
Cox may have retired from the Town, but Doherty said she continues to be an immense help to him on various initiatives and projects.
“I’ve been here four years and Marg’s helped me out on a number of events that I’ve done,” he said.
Cox said she’s happy to serve and it was an honour to be nominated by Doherty.
“He’s a super guy, he’s doing a great job and the community’s lucky to have him so of course I felt really honoured that he put forward my nomination,” she said.
