Airdrie Festival of Lights

Jonathan Harvey (Vice President)

Having been born and raised in Airdrie, Jonathan knows the value of the organizations that have helped shape his community.  He volunteered with the Airdrie Fire Department for many years and has volunteered with Airdrie Minor Hockey, Airdrie Minor Basketball Association, Airdrie Minor Baseball Association, Nose Creek Valley Museum, as well as his sons’ school teams.  Jonathan is a local small business owner and when not working or volunteering, can be found spending time with his two sons and his wife.

The Airdrie Festival of Lights has been a staple in his family’s holiday celebrations for a long time. It seemed only fitting, with a little extra time available in 2020, to give back to one of the organizations that has given his family so many good memories. Contributing to his community, making memories, and friends is important to Jonathan and something he is passing on to his children.  Jonathan is excited to see what the future brings for AFOLS and to be part of such a giving community organization.

Shawn Vike (President)

Shawn joined the board of directors in 2020 after volunteering with the Festival for many years. Shawn has been a resident of Airdrie since 2007 and enjoyed the Festival for years before that. Having volunteered for many years with Scouts Canada and on the board of director for Airdrie Koinonia Christian School and others, Shawn looks forward to using his experience and operational skills to help further the objective of the Festival. When not working as a Management Consultant or Caterer, Shawn enjoys backpacking and spending time with his family.

Faith Wilks (Secretary)

I moved to Airdrie from Calgary in December 2017 and started volunteering with AFOLS the same year. Being new to Airdrie, I wanted to be involved with the community and I had so much fun volunteering with AFOLS that I wanted to do more, so I decided to join the board of directors at the end of the 2018 season. I’m looking so forward to the many new friendships and taking on my role as Secretary!

Laurie Harvey (Volunteer Coordinator)

Laurie Harvey (Volunteer Coordinator)
Volunteering is a ‘family tradition’ of Laurie’s.  From her mom, her sisters, and her friends, the spirit of volunteering has been strong.  The opportunity to give back to the community that she grew up in is important to Laurie.  She and her husband, Jonathan, and their two sons often volunteer together.  Laurie has volunteered with Girl Guides, Sparks groups, her sons’ schools, the local historical society, and Nose Creek Valley Museum. Laurie is currently the Executive Director/Curator at Nose Creek Valley Museum, and through her time there a wonderful friendship bloomed with the Airdrie Festival of Lights. Since 2020, Laurie has volunteered with AFOLS and has enjoyed being part of a generous group focused on giving back to the community that she loves. So much so, that she recently took on the role as our Volunteer Coordinator, and has been instrumental in building our connections with all our volunteers!  For more information on volunteering opportunities, please contact Laurie at <volunteer.afols@gmail.com>

Rob Pirzek & Michelle Pirzek (Past-President & Coordinator)

Finding they were driving to Airdrie often for Parades and bus tours to the Airdrie Festival of Lights, the decision to build their home here in 2003 was an easy one! They moved with their two children, Jenn and John along with Michelle’s mom, and quickly looked for ways to be more involved in the community they called home. The opportunity to volunteer with AFOL first presented itself when their daughter’s Girl Guide Group signed on to be one of the Fundraising Groups. It was the perfect way to expose their children to the idea of volunteering! Rob and Michelle believe strongly that “by engaging our kids in our communities, we’re teaching them to be invested and respectful of everything around them.” It didn’t take long for Rob and Michelle to join the Board of Directors after seeing the positive impact AFOL had on their children, Jennifer in her time as a fundraising group with Girl Guides and particularly their son John, who has Asperger’s and ADHD. The relationships that John has been able to build with the other Board Members and Volunteers and the mentorship he’s received has provided him an incredible opportunity to share his talents, build confidence, and develop into a brilliant young man! We tease that he’s the Unofficial CEO of Festival, because… if you ever have a question, ask John, we’re sure he’ll know the answer! We are forever grateful to AFOL for allowing us to join their little family, as it has changed our lives! We’d love to show you and your family how it can change yours too!

Todd Brand (Sponsorship Coordinator)

Todd and his family have lived in Airdrie for 11 years and like so many residents, the Airdrie Festival of Lights became a source of annual fun and community pride. Several seasons ago, Todd agreed to be our sponsorship coordinator and in his words he, “gained a whole new level of appreciation for all the work that goes into the Festival.” Todd enjoys connecting businesses with the many sponsor opportunities and advantages that the Festival offers. In his “other life,” Todd serves as the Chair of the Rocky View School Board of Trustees and his work experience includes teaching, church ministry and organizational development. He is also an active volunteer with the Airdrie & District Soccer Association.