The Top 7 Over 70 Awards return to Southeastern Alberta

Posted on February 19, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta (CFSEA) is happy to announce the return of the Top 7 Over 70™ Awards, a celebration of seniors who continue to make extraordinary contributions to their communities. This initiative, which debuted in 2024, includes a gala on October 14, at Medalta Potteries in Medicine Hat. To kick off the 2026 edition, a launch event will be held on Feb. 25 from 3-5 p.m. at the Medicine Hat Golf & Country Club.

Jim MacArthur, Chair of the 2026 Top 7 Over 70™ Awards, says, “The first, sold-out gala in October 2024 was such a resounding success that it was only natural to continue this important initiative. It recognizes the achievements of seven individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the community of Southeastern Alberta after the age of 70. These contributions span a wide range of activities, including science, literature, sports, agriculture, philanthropy, and the arts.”

One of the inaugural honourees, Blair Reid, exemplifies the spirit of the Top 7 Over 70™ Awards. With 68 years of volunteerism and community leadership under his belt, Reid’s contributions have left a positive mark on Southeastern Alberta.

In 2010, Reid identified a need for a public agricultural and equestrian facility in the region. By 2014, this vision began to take shape as a small group of volunteers formed the Dunmore Equestrian Society. Now, this volunteer-driven initiative has grown into the Dunmore Community Ranch Arenas, a hub for agriculture and equestrian activities.

Valued at over $4 million, the facility has been built through corporate and individual donations, grants, government support, facility rentals, user fees, and countless volunteer hours. The arena operates without permanent paid staff. It has become one of Cypress County’s most remarkable examples of volunteer-led public infrastructure.

Reid says about another volunteering position he continues to enjoy, “I really love the Senior Home Pet Visit Program. We visit 11 senior facilities, including Dunmore. The residents get to watch chicks hatch, see bunnies hop around, pet donkeys, and interact with various other animals.”

From being a founding member of the Dunmore Equestrian Center to supporting the Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation, and many more, Reid’s efforts have enriched the lives of countless individuals.

 Reflecting on his recognition, Reid shares, “I was shocked when I got the nomination. There are so many people in the industry of volunteering who are very worthy too. It was a great accomplishment for my family and me. To be recognized by your peers is always something really special.”

Reid’s passion for giving back stems from his upbringing.

 “My mother was a volunteer all her life. We were small farmers in northern Saskatchewan, and up in that area, you helped your neighbours, or you didn’t survive. I think when you get it from your parents, it just spins off, and you think it’s part of your life to give back when you’re so fortunate.”

Reid’s advice for those considering community involvement is, “Just get involved. It’s fun. You end up working with a different type of person when you’re working with volunteers. It’s about giving back to the community and to people who maybe aren’t so fortunate. It’s very rewarding.”

The success of the Top 7 Over 70™ Awards is a testament to the dedication of countless volunteers, professionals, and sponsors.

“A small group of committee volunteers meet regularly to plan the project, but there are dozens of others who give freely of their time to support the various parts of the event,” says MacArthur. “We also have the benefit of many talented professionals who provide their services to make this a top-quality production. We certainly could not make things happen without our sponsors, whose involvement we truly appreciate.”

The gala itself is a unique experience.

“The Gala awards night is the culmination of all the work over the season and has a captivating program where the master of ceremonies has a conversation with each recipient after having viewed a short video about their accomplishments,” MacArthur explains. “The audience becomes a silent participant and is introduced to the award winners in a deeper and more personal way—truly inspiring.”

The inaugural Top 7 Over 70™ Gala in 2024 was a sold-out success, with attendees leaving inspired by the honourees’ stories of resilience, creativity, and dedication.

“We are so pleased that we now have an alumni consisting of seven individuals who have had their stories made known and are providing an inspiration to people of all ages,” concludes MacArthur.

The Top 7 Over 70™ Awards is a reminder that age is no barrier to making a difference. As Reid puts it, “It’s nice to be in an environment that acknowledges people who step outside their boundaries to give back to the community.”

Mark your calendars for the kick off event and the gala. Stay tuned for updates and announcements by following the Top 7 Over 70™ Southeast Alberta Facebook page and on https://cfsea.ca/top-7-70/.