Meals on Wheels volunteer is a Senior of Distinction

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on October 13, 2022.

Submitted photo John Byrne shows off his Senior of Distinction award for his volunteer contribution to Meals on Wheels.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

A local resident recently received the Senior of Distinction Award for his valuable volunteer work within the Lethbridge community.

This award is presented by AgeCare and takes place every year in Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Brooks and Burnaby, British Columbia. The award was created in honour of Seniors Day to recognize seniors and the contributions they have made, and continue to make, in their communities, workplaces, and families.

Lethbridge resident John Byrne received the Lethbridge and Area Senior of Distinction Award, as LSCO Leadership Award Winner, as he has volunteered for a decade with the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization’s Meals on Wheels.

“He is a dedicated superstar in his volunteer work with Meals on Wheels. You can count on John to be kind, friendly, caring and patient, in all situations. The Meals on Wheels team is proud of him,” said Shiloh Sabas, LSCO in-home supports coordinator.

Byrne said he enjoyed both aspects of the LSCO program, as he has done both driving and delivering of meals.

“The award ceremony was on video, but then I received some gifts from them at the LSCO,” said Byrne.

He said that along with his award he received a plaque and even though the award was received through a nomination for his work with Meals on Wheels, he believes it was also because of his other volunteer endeavours over the last few years.

“I’ve also done some volunteering with Alberta Health Services and with the library Read On program, as well as working with Walking to Wellness which is a joint program with Alberta Health Services and the University of Lethbridge,” said Byrne.

He said this year he also volunteered at Legacy Park working with the Lethbridge Horticultural Society to fix up the garden.

Byrne said he volunteers between 10 to 15 hours per week with various organizations, which continue to keep him occupied since he retired 11 years ago.

“Organizations are always looking for volunteers, so it’s a nice way of doing something to maybe help some people but it’s also good for the volunteer, too, it gives you something to do interesting in your life,” said Byrne.

He said volunteering is a rewarding experience and he would recommend it to everyone.

“There’s always lots of things out there that we can do to help people in the community, so I would encourage people to do it, you get a lot out of it as well,” said Byrne.

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