Nominations Deadline near for valued elder award

The deadline for nominations for this year’s Valued Elder Recognition Award (VERA) is fast approaching. Established by UVic’s centre on aging in 2000 to mark the International Day of Older Persons, VERA recognizes area seniors for their years of volunteer service to their communities and their society. Nominations for the 2004 VERAs must be submitted by April 30.
Two inaugural VERA winners are on this year’s awards promotion committee. Helen Simpson was recognized for her volunteer work which began in her teens with her church and the ‘Y’ and continued with such groups as the Lion’s Club and the Family Caregivers Network Society. Later this year she will be presented with a Caring Canadian Award by the Governor General for her life-long service.
John Tomszak received his VERA for his work with the Victoria Hospice Society, where he still volunteers. He is also involved in the centre on aging research projects on palliative care and is writing a book on living through the process of caring for a dying family member. Tomszak and Simpson also volunteer as Friends of the Centre on Aging.
VERA nomination forms are available at the centre’s website at www.coag.uvic.ca/vera.htm or by calling the centre at 721-6369.

-- 30 --