When people think of Christmas in Puslinch, they think of Sally Whittle.
On April 18, Puslinch council recognized Whittle’s work, including the organization of the township’s annual Santa Claus parade, by naming her the 2018 Volunteer of the Year.
“It is a great pleasure tonight that we are awarding this to Sally Whittle,” said Mayor Dennis Lever.
He added “in 2017, the township enjoyed its twenty-second annual Santa Claus parade.” And “although the Puslinch Optimist Club is recognized as the key organizer of the parade, they rely on the support of Sally Whittle every year.”
From obtaining the necessary permits to engaging Optimist members, Whittle works diligently for months organizing the logistics of the parade.
“Her commitment and leadership happens each year without fail,” said Lever.
He added “as a true leader, she also plays a critical role in the parade itself – sometimes in the role of ‘grand marshall of foot sanitation.’”
The mayor stated that in 2015, “the parade was acknowledged by one of Sally’s favourite authors, Stuart McLean – who immortalized the parade within one of his Christmas stories on the CBC Vinyl Cafe radio show.”
Lever said that in addition to being an integral part of the parade, Whittle has led an informal walking/hiking group for the past five years.
As well, last year Whittle volunteered her time at the World Dwarf Games in Guelph.
“On behalf of the township Sally, we want to thank you for all your efforts and all you have done to enrich our community. Your selfless commitment is an inspiration to all of us,” Lever said.
Whittle said “there are only three things in life that a person really needs – someone to love, something to do and something to look forwards to.
“I love the parade, I look forward to it and I always do it.”
