A local seniors’ home awarded four outstanding citizens for their contributions to their communities. Harmony Court Estate held its annual Seniors of Distinction event on Friday, Sept. 23, and this year’s honoured seniors are Susan Nugent, Raj Vyas, June Exworthy and Marilyn Pitt.
“There are more than 25,000 seniors living in Burnaby. Many of these seniors go about their daily lives quietly achieving positive change, both within the community and in the lives of those around them,” said Paula Anderson, general manager of Harmony Court. “National Seniors Day is Oct. 1, and the Seniors of Distinction Awards is our chance to show our appreciation to these individuals and celebrate their amazing accomplishments.”
This year, three local politicians spoke at the awards ceremony: Richard Lee, Liberal MLA for Burnaby North; Kathy Corrigan, outgoing New Democrat MLA for Burnaby Deer Lake; and Raj Chouhan; NDP MLA for Burnaby Edmonds. Coun. Sav Dhaliwal also attended.
The annual awards are given out in four categories: community service, arts, healthy living and leadership.
Seniors from both Burnaby and New Westminster are eligible for the awards.
For more information, go to www.agecare.ca/seniorawards.
Winners: (Source; Harmony Court)
Susan Nugent, Leadership Award
Nugent was nominated because of her dedication and leadership in working with many organizations in Burnaby.
She works as the Director at the Burnaby Seniors Community, volunteers as a director for the Burnaby Fall Prevention Society, and she is the treasurer for an all-weather hikers’ group for Edmonds seniors.
She also provides compassionate care to people and their families at the Burnaby Hospice Society. Nugent has been organizing ballroom dancing and Friday afternoon dances at the Edmonds Community Centre since 2008.
She is a past volunteer with the 2009 World Police and Fire Games and the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. She now volunteers with Bard on the Beach.
June Exworthy, Arts Award
Exworthy, 90, volunteers at her church, Saint Alban’s Anglican, painting and sanding.
She also enjoys sports, gardening and working outin the gym. At 70, she started doing photography and has since won awards for her work.
Marilyn Pitt, Healthy Living Award
Pitt received the healthy living award for helping with the Queensborough Middle School’s breakfast program.
Pitt volunteers on the special programs committee at a local community centre.
She also volunteers at the Port Royal community garden in Queensborough, in New Westminster, and she volunteers to help isolated seniors get out to participate in special events.
She also volunteers with a local residents’ association twice a week; feeding, changing bedding and gathering homeless cats for spay and neutering.
Raj Vyas, Community Service Award
Vyas was honoured for his contributions volunteering at various community organizations, including the Burnaby Neighbourhood House, reaching out to at-risk, isolated and vulnerable seniors.
Vyas also volunteers with Voices of Burnaby Seniors, a local seniors’ advocacy group.
He also helps train other seniors who use public transportation. He volunteers at the Edmonds Community Centre and as a captain and area coordinator for Block Watch.
Vyas volunteers for a crisis centre, a Hindu temple and is an ambassador to newcomers to Burnaby and the Lower Mainland.
