He'll tell you so himself.  Michael Loughman didn't have a great reputation growing up in Airdrie.  

Loughman struggled with addictions and mental illness and was a victim of bullying as a young man.  Loughman credits the help of Airdrie Mental Health Addictions Centre, Smart Recovery, Action North Recovery Centre and people in Airdrie who didn't care about his past and just wanted to support him as he tried to turn his life around.

Loughman has overcome much of his past and has become an important advocate for the things he has overcome and a valuable volunteer in Airdrie in the process.  Last night, the city recognized Loughman's remarkable accomplishments by presenting him with the Soul of Airdrie Award at the 2017 Volunteer of the Year ceremonies at Bert Church Theatre.

Loughman was overwhelmed by the recognition, saying, "It means a lot.  It means that what I'm saying to the kids and all the stuff I'm doing in the community is working.  I wanted to bring a message to the community about surrendering to sobriety and mental health and bullying and all those things.  It just means a lot to me that I was recognized for this because there were a lot of amazing people who were nominated."  

In 2015 Loughman organized the Unmask Mental Health fundraiser which has become an annual Halloween walk, which raises money for the Defeat Depression campaign and the Airdrie Food Bank.  He's also volunteered with groups like the Airdrie Public Library and speaks about depression and bullying at local schools.  Loughman's next fundraising adventure is a planned walk from High Level to Airdrie starting on June 26th in support of the Thumbs Up Foundation and the Defeat Depression campaign.

Loughman was selected from among eight nominees including Carl Russell, Corey Halford, Kimberly Rose, Lindsey Coyle, Michelle Bates, Nancy Dempster and Susan Young.

Three other awards were presented at last night's ceremony.  Ryland Kruk, who is a member of the Airdrie Air Cadets, was given the Leader of Tomorrow Award.   Kruk has volunteered as a snow angel and lawn angel as well as at the Hanger Flight Museum, selling poppies with the Legion and helping with Airdrie Food Bank drives.

Rob and Michelle Pirzek of the Airdrie Festival of Lights were presented with the Volunteer Advocate Award.  The Pirzek's joined the festival's board of directors in 2006 and have played a major role in it's success ever since, working year round to keep the festival going.  Michelle says the award is for all their volunteers.  "We couldn't do it without them, we can't glow without you.  We definitely appreciate the support of everyone.  We have an amazing group of volunteers."  The Airdrie Public Library Teen Advisory Council, known as "The Library Whisperers" were also nominated for the award.  

The Ambassador Award, given to an Airdrie business that's made an outstanding contribution to the city, was awarded to Propak Systems Ltd. for not only their involvement, but also for encouraging employee volunteerism.  Airdrie Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram also received a nomination.  

Mayor Peter Brown served as the MC for the evening's celebration.