A group of local seniors will be recognized for their contributions to the community with an awards night next month.
The 2023 Senior of the Year will be announced during the live broadcast of the 2023 Chatham-Kent Celebration of Older Adults on June 1.
Sixteen seniors are in the running for the title this year.
Clare Latimer, who is a co-chair of the Chatham-Kent Celebration of Older Adults committee, said the group uses a rubric guide to help determine who the senior of the year will be.
"We look at the variety and duration of volunteer work," said Latimer. "We kind of compare all nominations across the board."
A few areas in the community where seniors volunteer their time include the Salvation Army, R.O.C.K Missions, Chatham-Kent Goodfellows, the Knights of Columbus, and more.
Latimer said the volunteers fill in the gaps where needed.
"They [the volunteers] help ensure people are able to live independently and safely in our community," said Latimer. "There are a lot of programs that would not run if it were not for these volunteers."
Residents will be able to tune in to the live broadcast on YourTV, The Municipal Facebook page, and the Municipal Youtube Channel at 10 a.m.
All nominees will be recognized during this virtual event.
"I think residents will be quite pleased with this year's winner," said Latimer. "I know this individual will be quite thrilled."
Josephine Richardson was announced as last year's Chatham-Kent Senior of the Year.
Richardson was selected from more than a dozen nominees.
She has been a member of the Chatham Kent Quilter’s Guild and has made quilts for the police and fire departments to be given to those suffering from accidents or unsafe situations.
In addition to that, she makes quilts for those with cancer or other illnesses, and as a weekly volunteer with Canadian Food for Children, she has made and donated 410 quilts that have been sent to Africa, South America and Ukraine.
More than 1,000 citizens have been honoured since the awards began in Blenheim over 30 years ago.
