UVic Recognizes Senior Volunteers

Three women who have spent decades improving the lives of others in the capital region are the winners of the University of Victoria Centre on Aging’s 2010 Valued Elder Recognition Award (VERA). For more than 10 years, each one of the VERA winners made exemplary, voluntary contributions within the Capital Regional District. This year’s winners are:

Marylyne England (Victoria resident) is a volunteer for the Regional Family Council, Advocates for Care Reform, Saanich Peninsula Health Association and the Gordon Head Lions Club. As well, she lends her support to the South Island Health Coalition, the Mental Health Association and solicits funds for the Cancer Society.

Liz Underwood (Saanich resident) is a volunteer for the World-Wide Healing initiative, and the girls’ groups at Tsawout. In addition, she has assisted with the Youth Lacrosse teams.

Josephine Wingerber (Sidney resident) is a long-time volunteer at the St. Elizabeth Church and the Catholic Women’s League. She has also given her time to the Saint Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop and, in Alberta, to the Cub Scouts and Girl Guides.

The VERA award ceremony will take place on Oct. 1, the United Nation’s International Day of Older Persons. After the award ceremony, UVic chemistry professor (emeritus) Reg Mitchell will deliver a free public lecture. In “A new era of snake oils: chemically ripping off the elderly and the not so old,” Mitchell will debunk some of the “cures”—found both online and in print—that target the elderly.

The event takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Salvation Army Citadel, 4030 Douglas Street. To register call 250-721-6369.
 

 Media advisory: The VERA award ceremony will take place at 2 p.m., the tea will be from 2:20 to 2:30 p.m. and the lecture will begin at 3 p.m.

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