Announcing the 2025 Friend of the Family Award Winners
On September 18th, LFS held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at the Lethbridge Trade & Convention Centre. As part of the evening, we presented our 2025 Friend of the Family Awards!
Presented since 1988, the Friend of the Family Awards recognize individuals, groups, organizations, or businesses that exhibit exemplary service to individuals and families in southern Alberta. Many worthy nominees are put forward each year, and winners are carefully chosen by the LFS board of directors in an Individual category and a Business or Group category. Nominees are selected based on meaningful contributions to a life cause or issue, direct service to a family or families, and/or significant contributions or support of family-serving institutions or organizations. Please join us in congratulating this year’s winners!
LFS CEO Sandra Mintz awards Christine Harty with the Friend of the Family Award, in the Individual category.
Individual Award Winner: Christine Harty
Since 2021, Chris has been an extraordinary volunteer who goes above and beyond to serve newcomer families in the LFS Immigrant Services department. Chris has shown unwavering commitment to supporting families, meeting expectations, and exceeding them by a remarkable margin. While volunteers in her role are asked to dedicate four hours a month, Chris consistently contributes more than ten times that amount.
Chris is currently matched with a single mother and her three young daughters, and has taken on the vital role of guide and advocate, helping the family navigate their new environment, understand local customs, and settle into their community. Beyond providing information, she brings joy and a sense of belonging by making each "first" holiday in Canada a magical experience for the children, whether it's Halloween costumes, Christmas traditions, or Easter celebrations. Her thoughtful actions help create cherished memories.
Recognizing the importance of community-building, she has enlisted friends to volunteer in her role when she is away, ensuring that the family never feels alone or unsupported.
Chris is, without question, a true champion for newcomer families. She embodies what it means to serve with heart, and the lives she touches are undeniably better because of her.
Sarah Tollestrup and Mitch Arsenault accept the Business or Group Award from Sandra Mintz on behalf of Wendy’s Restaurants and Tollestrup Group.
Business or Group Award Winner: Tollestrup Group Inc. / Wendy’s Restaurants
For over a decade, Sarah Tollestrup and Mitch Arsenault, of Wendy’s Restaurants and Tollestrup Group, have exemplified what it means to be champions of community.
Their journey with Lethbridge Family Services began with a simple but powerful idea—leveraging the popular Wendy’s Frosty to kickstart summer fundraising for the Angel Tree campaign. The Tollestrup Group generously matched the funds raised, doubling the difference made in the lives of local children.
In the years since, Sarah and Mitch have deepened their involvement by sharing their time, energy, and resources. From providing Angel Tree drop-off locations and participating in our Halloween events to donating gift cards and coupons for families in need, their support has been meaningful and multifaceted.
But their impact doesn’t stop at donations and sponsorships. Sarah and Mitch understand that creating opportunities for everyone, especially newcomers and underrepresented individuals, is a moral imperative and a catalyst for a stronger society. This is reflected in their hiring practices, which include welcoming immigrant youth into their workforce, helping them gain confidence, experience, and a sense of belonging.
In 2024–2025, Sarah and Mitch co-chaired our first-ever gala event. Their leadership, energy, and creativity transformed a vision into a successful milestone event. They devoted over 80 hours of personal time, were our top table sellers, donated generously to the silent auction, and, most significantly, served as our Presenting Sponsors.
In every way, they are difference makers. They lead not for recognition, but from a place of passionate kindness and thoughtful skill. They believe in the mission of Lethbridge Family Services as if it were theirs. They are not just friends of LFS—they are family.
2025 Annual Report
We are also happy to announce the release of our 2025 annual report! It's full of positive success stories from all of our different departments and programs. You can check it out now by visiting our publications page or by picking up a physical copy at our main office: 1107 2A Avenue North in Lethbridge.
Lethbridge Family Services provides highly-accredited health and social services to over 9,000 individuals and families in more than 30 communities in southwestern Alberta, through the professional services of more than 380 staff, and the support of over 550 committed volunteers. LFS's vision is a connected and inclusive community where people thrive.
Media Contact:
Michelle Gallucci
Director, Advancement & Communications
Lethbridge Family Services
MGallucci@LFSfamily.ca
403-915-8028
