Eight deserving Manitobans are being recognized through the Manitoba Council on Aging Recognition Awards for their outstanding contributions and commitment to their communities. This announcement was made by Healthy Living and Seniors Minister Deanne Crothers.
“This year is a time to celebrate the MCA’s 35th anniversary and an opportunity to once again recognize those older adults who unselfishly help build stronger, safer and healthier communities for all Manitobans,” said Minister Crothers. “MCA members and recognition awards’ recipients are most deserving of the respect and admiration of all Manitobans.”
The MCA was created in 1980 as an advisory body to the minister of healthy living and seniors to ensure that seniors’ perspectives are reflected in government programs and policies. In 1996, the MCA Recognition Awards were created to recognize that many seniors are leaders in their communities and to celebrate their contributions.
“It’s important to realize that all the seniors receiving awards and certificates today are volunteers. Each recipient represents a heart-warming story of devotion and commitment to those in need of the services provided,” said Dave Schellenberg, chair, Manitoba Council on Aging. “Volunteerism is an essential part of the services provided by seniors and often a similarly essential portion of the services received by seniors. The whole community benefits when we help each other.”
In addition to being a special anniversary year for the council, this year will see the introduction of a new category of award to recognize journalists who promote positive images of aging. This award has been included in recognition of how the realistic and relevant portrayal of seniors, promoting understanding and celebrating their contributions helps Manitobans of all ages, the minister said.
It is also the 10th anniversary of the Murray Smith Award whose recipient demonstrates outstanding qualities through volunteer service, advocacy, community influence and successful efforts in raising the profile of seniors.
The 2015 award recipients are:
- Charles Cruden – Murray Smith Award glass winner;
- Kelly Goodman – Recognition Award glass winner, journalist category;
Recognition Award glass winners – 65+ category:
- Rose-Marie Bateman;
- Courtney Leroy Hoyte;
- Anne Skuba;
- Rocco and Pina Macchia;
- Brian Monkman; and
- Lina Desjarlais.
Honourable mention certificates were awarded to Sandy Bauldic, Gérard and Anita Bisson, Marlene Farrell, Rivka Green, Flo Olson, Gorjana Radulovic and Menorah Waldman for their extraordinary contributions, Minister Crothers said.
More information on the recognition awards is available online.
