Local veteran Elsie Dandy received the Governor General’s Sovereign Medal for Volunteers at Fergus Legion Branch 275 on Oct. 8.
The honour was presented to Dandy by Wellington Halton-Hills MP Michael Chong, just one day after her 99th birthday.
Dandy, a nurse during the Second World War, was stationed at Basingstoke Neurological and Plastic Surgery Hospital for the Canadian Army in London, England.
She joined the Legion 17 years ago and one of the reasons she offers for joining was the support the Royal Canadian Legion gives to school-aged children.
Though she is proud of other work the Legion does, she said, “I’m more interested in what they’re doing for the school children because I think that’s terribly important.”
Dandy continues to volunteer at Grove’s Memorial Community Hospital and J.D. Hogarth Elementary School in Fergus and attends every general meeting at the Fergus Legion.
At the ceremony, attended by about 50 people including Legion members, family, friends and local
dignitaries, Chong explained the medal recognizes Canadian citizens “who have made a significant, sustained and unpaid contribution to their community.”
Chong noted Dandy has been a volunteer at J.D. Hogarth for more than 15 years, “Helping students improve their literacy skills and learn about the importance of kindness, respect and acceptance.
“She listens to the students as they practice their reading skills and helps teachers with various classroom tasks,” Chong explained.
“Volunteers lie at the heart of a community and their extraordinary contributions should be recognized,” the MP stated.
A letter to Dandy from Governor General David Johnston, read by Chong at the gathering, stated, “Volunteers like you are fundamental to the well-being of our country, reflecting the rich diversity of Canada’s people and the many talents and interests that enrich our society … Thank you for everything that you do, you have made your community and your country strong.”
Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott called Dandy “a great Canadian.”
Arnott continued, “She’s done enormous service to her country as a nurse during the war and continues to serve, even at the age of 99, in our community at the hospital and J.D. Hogarth Public School and at the Legion …
“Your efforts for many years have demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm and dedication to the residents of your community … We are very grateful for all that you have done.”
Centre Wellington Mayor Kelly Linton told Dandy, “I just am so honoured that you’re part of our community. The work that you’re doing, you give such a good example, a model of what we can all strive to be and how much we can invest in the lives of others.”
In response to the accolades, Dandy said, “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
“Anyone that doesn’t volunteer – start it,” she advised. “Because it gives you back three times what you give in your life.”
