Announcing the 2026 Friend of the Family Award Recipients
On September 17th, LFS held its 2026 Annual General Meeting in the beautiful Lakeview Salon at Excite Lethbridge. As part of the evening, we presented our 2026 Friend of the Family Awards!
Since 1988, LFS has annually recognized an Individual and a Group or Business partner with our "Friend of the Family" awards. These awards celebrates the outstanding philanthropic contributions recipients have made to LFS and our community. Each winner's story shares a common thread: using their unique abilities to take action that makes Lethbridge and our community a better place for all and enables others to reach their full potential.
Lethbridge Family Services is proud to showcase and recognize the outstanding contributions of Ann Zalik and Norbridge Pharmacy.
Ann Zalik, Friend of the Family Award recipient in the Individual category.
Individual Award Winner: Ann Zalik
Ann lives a deeply value-driven life, grounded in the belief that every day offers an opportunity to do better and give more.
Over the past three years, Ann has dedicated more than 2,000 volunteer hours to the Angel Tree Christmas Campaign, demonstrating both excellence and sustained commitment. Her leadership journey, from Co-Chair in 2023, to Chair in 2024, to Past-Chair and mentor in 2025, reflects not only longevity but growth, mentorship, and a deep investment in the campaign’s future. She has represented Angel Tree at speaking engagements, trained new volunteers, and ensured the program continues to thrive. She has crocheted nearly thousands of stress balls and worry worms, and sewn hundreds of blankets, each a tangible expression of care and comfort for Angel Tree families.
Ann is a natural connector, engaging her friends, family, and wider community and bringing them into the circle of giving. Her book club, inspired by her passion, has been a generous and consistent supporter of Angel Tree since she first became involved. Ann helped secure RBC Wealth Management’s support for Angel Tree and the inaugural Lethbridge Family Services Gala. She also inspired a $50,000 family foundation contribution over three years.
Through these efforts, Ann exemplifies what it means to lead with heart and purpose, creating ripples of generosity that strengthen the entire community.
Staff at Norbridge Pharmacy, Friend of the Family Award recipient in the Business or Group category.
Business or Group Award Winner: Norbridge Pharmacy
The team at Norbridge Pharmacy, led by owner Rhea Edrosolan, have demonstrated exceptional ongoing support for LFS and the families we serve. They provide first-rate assistance to a number of our clients, many of whom experience high medical needs. They support DaCapo staff in safely administering medications by packaging them in easy-to-understand bubble packs, provide ongoing education on the medications they dispense, and will answer any questions staff or clients may have.
Rhea has been a blessing in supporting certain DaCapo Disability Services clients. One client in particular stands out, who has been struggling this past year with ongoing health issues. This client is non-verbal and fully relies on DaCapo workers, her residential support agency, and Norbridge Pharmacy. This client has experienced a large number of medication changes throughout the past year, and Rhea has gone above and beyond in her job responsibilities to support her with her changing health needs. She keeps in regular contact with DaCapo personnel to discuss the client's complicated medication administration (including when new medication changes occur), ensures medication bubble packs are explained thoroughly, and provides cheerful face-to-face service to workers when they are picking up the weekly medication.
Rhea goes out of her way to follow up on the client's well-being by checking in to ensure the prescribed medications are working well after medication adjustments. Rhea is also always willing to problem-solve when unwanted side effects or health challenges occur. In addition, Rhea is always willing to take a phone call from DaCapo supervisors or staff. She takes a vested interest in her clientele's well-being; it shows in her and her staff's compassionate and supportive approach to their work and those they serve.
We appreciate everything Norbridge Pharmacy has done to support our DaCapo clients throughout the years. They understand our clients' needs and follow through with consistent, compassionate care.
2026 Annual Report
We are also happy to announce the release of our 2026 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.
Sandra Mintz, CEO of Lethbridge Family Services (left), Rhea Edrosolan, owner of Norbridge Pharmacy (middle), and Jone Lindsay, Chair of the LFS Board of Directors (right).
Ann Zalik was unable to attend the LFS AGM due to family farming commitments in Saskatchewan, but provided a heartfelt acceptance message in video form.
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
