Tom Henihan
Express Staff
Following her stop in McLennan, Marg McCuaig-Boyd visited the Club Des Pionniers to make presentations to two nominees for the Minister’s Seniors Service Awards (MSSA) on behalf of Minister of Seniors, Lori Sigurdson.
The Minister’s Seniors Service Awards nominees were honoured at a formal occasions in Edmonton, Red Deer and Calgary in August.
One of the local MSSA nominees in the “organization category,” the Club des Pionniers were unable to send any representatives to the honour ceremony in Edmonton on August 8.
However the local MSSA nominee in the individual category, Henry Wawrzonek from Guy did make the trip to Edmonton for the occasion.
Wawrzonek was also present at the Minister McCuaig-Boyd’s presentation at the Club de Pionniers in Donnelly at which he also received an award certificate .
The Minister’s Seniors Service Awards recognize exceptional volunteers and outstanding organizations. This year, 29 individuals and 10 organizations from across the province were nominated for the awards with one nominee in both categories coming from this area.
In accepting the award on behalf of the Club des Pionniers, club president Cecile Turcotte, thanked the club members, the board and the Village of Donnelly for its continuing support.
The Village of Donnelly nominated Club Des Pionniers for the MSSA and the mayor of Donnelly, Myrna Lanctot attended the presentations.
In accepting his certificate Henry Wawrzonek thanked both the community of Guy and the MD of Smoky River for nominating him for the MSSA.
On the MSSA website the citations for the Club Des Pionniers stated:
“Donnelly Club Des Pionniers was established in 1975 and currently has approximately 40 volunteers who help to support seniors. At the Club Des Pionniers there are activities for seniors such as exercise machines, pool tables and shuffleboard. The Club Des Pionniers hosts activities including fun days, potluck suppers, coffee time and other events. The activities of the club promote gathering and community building.”
The citation for Henry Wawrzonek said:
“Henry Wawrzonek has dedicated a significant amount of time to his community in the 40 years he has been volunteering. He has given generously of his time to churches, schools, sporting events and non-profit organizations. As a board member of the local parish he maintained the church and grounds. He has organized community events such as bazaars, Balls, and Farmer’s days. Henry has been aiding the senior residents of his community by mowing their lawns and doing repairs and maintenance of their homes. He is happy helping others and loves to keep busy volunteering.”
Following the presentations Minister McCuaig-Boyd remained at the club to have coffee and talk with the people who attended the event.
