As a follow up to the United Nations International Elder’s Day on Oct. 1, Summerland and area residents are being asked to nominate local elders for recognition as an outstanding contributor to our community, who have over the years helped make this a better place to live.
Any outstanding contribution can be the reason for a nomination – cultural activity, helping develop local organizations, education, volunteering or any other community activities that have made a real difference.
The nominations of either men or women who are over 55 and are residents of the area will be undertaken over the next two weeks through the internet or on paper forms available at a number of local sites. Look for Outstanding Citizens Nomination signs that will indicate where the forms may be picked up and then deposited.
The nomination process, sponsored by the Okanagan Branch of the Canadian Association of Retired Persons as well as local organizations including the Senior’s Centre will begin Oct. 3 and continue until Oct. 18 and will be followed by community recognition of the top three nominees.
This extension of the UN International Seniors Day is to increase all our awareness of the amazing contributions our elders have made over the years in so many ways. They helped create Summerland and all that it now is.
These contributions often go unrecognized to the extent they should be, and this Award is designed to help remedy that.
This is the first year for this and Summerland is one of the first communities to take part in this event. It will be continued year over year so that more and more of our community builders will be recognized.
Milton Orris, CARP board member for the South Okanagan and a Summerland resident, has had many years experience working with the elderly and has a deep respect for them and all they have done.