After the sudden passing of one of Airdrie's most beloved souls, an anonymous donor has created the "Mr. Airdrie Memorial Award in Honour of Keith Wilkinson" to continue his legacy. Wilkinson was a lifelong volunteer in Airdrie and was described as somebody that you could look to if you needed help, no matter what.

Marc Smith, one of the Administrators of the Facebook group "Airdrie Dads" made the announcement about the new award.

Smith talked with Keith's wife Sandra, to make sure she is okay with this award being a thing. 

"She was overwhelmed and floored by the idea, she was excited that we wanted to keep Keith's legacy going within the Airdrie dad's group," Smit said. "I was just the person who got to post the plaque as it was a generous donation from an anonymous member who wanted to remain behind the scenes."

Wilkinson helped out the community in many different ways, some examples include him being a part of 100 Airdrie Men Who Give a Damn, helping fundraise money for Genesis Place and being a part of the Lions Club for a long time. You do not have to be a part of the Airdrie Dads to win the award.

"That's the way Keith would have wanted it. In the fall, we're going to open up the nomination time where people can submit nominations; [and] after a while, we will make one concise list. Once a list has been created, then we'll open up a second voting platform for people to go in and vote for who they think should win this award this year."

When asked about what it would take to win the award, Smith said it would be somebody that resembles him the best in giving back to the community and has similar characteristics is what they are looking for.

 "It takes a bunch of people to continue the legacy of one person, that shows the type of person that Keith was. I was lucky enough to do a couple of events with Keith, he was one of the most stand-up, hardworking, generous and giving people I knew. He was a man of integrity."

The winner of the award will be announced close to Christmas. A new Airdronian will receive the award each year as this will be an annual event.

Once registration opens up, Smith will make a few posts in different local Facebook groups letting everybody know.

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