In partnership with the Alzheimer Society of B.C., Retirement Concepts and the Pacific National Exhibition have issued a final call for nominations for the inaugural Extraordinary Senior Award. The award will be presented to a senior who routinely goes above and beyond to help others living in their community.
“Older volunteers make up the fabric of many of our communities,” said 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…. We see extraordinary seniors in action every day and recognize that the time has come to give them the accolades they so richly deserve.
“We have received some fantastic nominations thus far and we look forward to awarding the Extraordinary Senior this August.”
According to Statistics Canada, there are more than 12 million active volunteers located across Canada, with people aged 65 to 74 contributing the highest average of volunteer hours annually. In B.C., the number of residents aged 65 and over comprises 13.6 per cent of the population.
“We are proud to be partnering with the Alzheimer Society of B.C. and Retirement Concepts on this award that celebrates seniors,” said PNE President and CEO Shelley Frost.
“The PNE has a long history of working with seniors and now nearing the end of this award campaign, we are continuing to encourage individuals and organizations to nominate a senior who has made a difference in their community.”
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. relies on the efforts of older volunteers to help the estimated 70,000 British Columbians living with dementia.
“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.”
The recipient of the Extraordinary Senior Award will receive his or her award at Seniors’ Day at the Fair at the PNE on Thursday, Aug. 23, 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.
The public is encouraged to submit their nominations for the inaugural award before the July 31 deadline. Nominees must be over the age of 65 and residents of British Columbia. In order to nominate an outstanding senior, a submission of 1,000 words or less is required.
If you know an extraordinary senior who is passionate about a cause or active in their community, nominate them at: www.extraordinarysenior.com