Minister Responsible for Seniors, Hon. Chester Gillan, presented the awards which were created by the PEI Seniors’ Advisory Council to honour the sometimes “unsung heroes” within the province’s senior population. Awards were presented to four seniors from across PEI: Kathleen Williams, Elmsdale; Julien Arsenault, Wellington; Mona Doiron, North Rustico; and Frank Blackett, Little Pond.

“Today’s awards acknowledge the hard work and commitment these individuals have demonstrated to enriching the lives of those around them,” says Minister Gillan. “Communities across the Island have benefited greatly from their generous spirit and they are impressive role models for the next generation of volunteers.”

The PEI Seniors’ Advisory Council was created in 1998 to serve in an advisory capacity to government, through the Minister Responsible for Seniors. It provides a means for government to access the knowledge and experience of seniors of the province. It also works to foster positive attitudes towards aging and to increase public knowledge and understanding of the aging process and its implications for all age groups in PEI.

This year’s Community Service Award recipients have been very active in their communities for many years, generously sharing their time, experience and talents.

Frank Blackett, well-known for appearing at benefit concerts in eastern PEI, shared his talent at the awards ceremony itself, as he and his accompanist, Pat Dunphy, entertained the participants with music and song.