Extraordinary seniors sought for new award

Award is presented to a senior who goes above and beyond to help others living in their community

  • Jul. 24, 2018 12:00 a.m.
Quesnel’s Auxiliary to G.R. Baker Hospital couldn’t run without its dedicated volunteers.  Contributed photo

Quesnel’s Auxiliary to G.R. Baker Hospital couldn’t run without its dedicated volunteers. Contributed photo

The Alzheimer Society of B.C., Retirement Concepts and the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) are on the look out for the province’s most extraordinary seniors.

The deadline for nominations for the first Extraordinary Senior Award is coming up July 31. The award is presented to a senior who goes above and beyond to help others living in their community.

“Older volunteers make up the fabric of many of our communities,” says Retirement Concepts chief operating officer Jennie Deneka.

“Many of them also mentor others or volunteer for community groups that wouldn’t otherwise be in operation if it were not for their important contributions.”

The recipient of the Extraordinary Seniors Award will receive his or her award at Seniors’ Day at the Fair at the Vancouver PNE on August 23, 2018, as well as a prize package including a restaurant gift certificate, admission for four for a VIP day at The Fair at the PNE and a one-­night stay at the Listel Hotel Vancouver.

Nominees must be over the age of 65 and residents of British Columbia. In order to nominate an outstanding senior, a written submission of 1,000 words or less is required, outlining the nominee’s worthiness.

According to Statistics Canada, there are more than 12 million active volunteers across Canada, with people aged 65 to 74 contributing the highest average of volunteer hours annually. In British Columbia, the number of residents aged 65 and over comprises 13.6 per cent of the province’s population.

Quesnel is home to many outstanding senior volunteers, for organizations including the Auxiliary to G.R. Baker Hospital, the Lions Club, and the Rotary Club of Quesnel, among many others.

RELATED: Louis Beaulieu named Volunteer Citizen of the Year

“The critical support we provide for British Columbians affected by dementia is made possible by incredible community leaders, including 750 volunteers in programs and services, events and advocacy – many of them seniors,” says Alzheimer Society of B.C. CEO Maria Howard.

“Our ability to help people living with the disease, and to build a more caring and inclusive province for all British Columbians, depends entirely on the talent and generosity of extraordinary seniors. They deserve to be celebrated in every way possible.”

Nominations will be accepted at www.extraordinarysenior.com until July 31.

READ MORE: Why volunteer with the hospital auxiliary?


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