Michael Purves' volunteer work in Whitehorse has spanned decades and organizations, and on Wednesday evening, he was honoured for his dedication by the city's Volunteer of the Year Award.

"It's a great honour to win this award, especially because there are so many wonderful volunteers who have given as much or more than I have," Purves said in a statement.

"I volunteer for two reasons: to help those groups who make my life better, and to help others make their lives better."

Purves' extensive volunteer efforts include 20 years at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 12 years with the Whitehorse Community Choir and five years with Habitat for Humanity.

Another 27 nominees for the award were also recognized for their work with various groups.

"Volunteers give their time and effort freely in Whitehorse and add so much to the social fabric of our community," Mayor Bev Buckway said. "I want to thank Mr. Purves and all our volunteers for their efforts."

Among the other volunteers who were nominated and recognized for their efforts are:

• Wayne Balcaen of the Citizens On Patrol;

• Valerie Ross of the Yukon River Quest, Mae Bachur Animal Shelter and Citizens On Patrol;

• Sandi Swaffield of Copper Ridge Place;

• Ralph Fitzsimmons of the Crestview Community Association;

• Beth Hawkings of Cross Country Yukon;

• Ramesh Ferris of the Cycle to Walk Society and the Rotary Club of Whitehorse;

• Bobbi Magnuson of the Golden Age Society;

• Fergie Laforge of the Grey Mountain Lions Club;

• Judy Thompson of Hospice Yukon;

• Harris Cox of the Klondike Snowmobile Association;

• Amanda Rendall of Macaulay Lodge;

• Sheila Rose of Many Rivers;

• Dorothy Bradley of the Porter Creek Community Association;

• Doug MacLean of the Riverdale Community Association;

• June Tupper of the Royal Canadian Legion;

• Janine Peters of Special Olympics Yukon;

• Adeline Webber of Whitehorse Aboriginal Women's Circle;

• Derick Hynes of the Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club;

• Bunny Samuelson of the Whitehorse General Hospital Auxiliary;

• Ron McFadyen of the Yukon Amateur Radio Association;

• Connie Dublenko of the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition;

• Diane Stewart of the Yukon Broomball Association;

• Sandi Gleason of the Yukon Indian Hockey Association;

• Donna Dymackova of the Yukon Kennel Club; and

• Dean Sharun of Yukon Learn.