Candace Maxymowich and MLA Dennis Smook at Manitoba Council of Aging Recognition Awards at the Manitoba Legislature
Vita teen Candace Maxymowich, along with seven other dedicated Manitobans and a not-for-profit enterprise, received Manitoba Council on Aging Recognition Awards. Presenting the awards were Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs Minister Jim Rondeau and Jean-Yves Rochon, chair of the Manitoba Council on Aging. The awards recognize the outstanding contribution each award winner has made within their communities.
“A community is only as strong and vibrant as the individuals who contribute to it, and today we honour a generous, committed group of volunteers who have given tirelessly of themselves to improve the quality of life for seniors and all Manitobans,” said Rondeau. “I am delighted to present these individuals with a Council on Aging Recognition Award.”
“This is truly a celebration as we recognize and honour seniors and the invaluable resource that they are to our society and communities throughout Manitoba,” said Rochon.
Among the 2012 recipients is Candace Maxymowich of Vita. “I am humbled, honoured, and at the same time excited to receive this award.”
At just 18 years old, Maxymowich has contributed a significant amount of time volunteering in numerous organizations in her community, throughout the province, and across Canada. This includes many hours of volunteer work at Shady Oak Lodge and Whispering Pines Lodge in Vita.
Maxymowich made special note of the presence of Michelle Gawronsky and MLA Dennis Smook who she describes as two outstanding and inspiring leaders in her community.
Maxymowich spoke briefly about an intergenerational porgram in her community that she had the privilege of being a part of. “As part of my grade 5 Language Arts program, I along with my fellow classmates were paired with a senior in our community. Students and seniors met monthy and spent the morning doing activities such as games and crafts. Before meeting with seniors, we were introduced to some of the different issues and problems that seniors may have developed as they age by attending hands-on workshops. I am thankful that I was able to participate in this program as it was through this experience that I learned to understand and gained a great amount of respect for seniors.”
Maxymowich has greatly enjoyed volunteering with the elderly in her community. “I am passionate about working for the benefit of seniors and will continue to do so.”
The Manitoba Council on Aging Recognition Awards were established in 1996 to recognize extraordinary individuals and organizations for their exemplary efforts on behalf of seniors and to pay tribute to the seniors who continue to contribute to their communities. The awards demonstrate the province’s interest in creating age-friendly environments for all.
More information on the Recognition Awards is available at: www.gov.mb.ca/shas/manitobacouncil/recognitionawards.For more information on seniors and healthy aging, visit www.gov.mb.ca/shas.
