Springtime glory, the colour yellow, and sunny smiles come to mind with the mere mention of the word daffodil and for many for the past 75 years, the flower also evokes thoughts of the Canadian Cancer Society.
Close to 50 volunteers were rewarded for their commitment and dedication to the society’s Wellington County Unit at a dinner Sept. 24 at the United Church in Harriston. Volunteer engagement coordinator Sara Orrell and manager Lorraine Skarratt along with office coordinator Robin St. Jules hosted the event.
Skarratt provided a brief synopsis of the year highlighting the Daffodil Days, breakfasts, and luncheons, the Wellington Warrior Challenges, Relay for Life events, Pink in the Rink with the Guelph Storm, Fitness Relay; and the stellar commitment of committees and volunteers.
Branch president Laverne Stinson and his wife Gloria led the singing of grace before the meal, served by Doris Jean Clyne, Marie Hall, Toni Rank, and Betty Tarr. After dinner, Laverne Stinson provided entertainment, singing the auctioneer song and alphabet song.
Rita Doig of Harriston was presented with a special Celebrating Courage award. For 30 years, she has helped with the residential campaign, daffodil days, daffodil teas, and golf tournaments and volunteered as branch council treasurer. Her personal story is filled with the heartfelt loss of a daughter and a brother to cancer. She was thanked for inspiring others through her countless years of compassion, service, and dedication. Doig also received her 30-year service pin and certificate.
This year, 29 volunteers received length of service pins ranging from five to forty-five years. Five years recipients were: Ardda Colley, Anne Colman, Mabel Hardy, Marie Roth. Recognized for 10 years were Sheila Campbell, Beth Connolly, Dorothy Domm, Lynda Henderson, Laverne Stinson, Bonnie Whitehead, Marion Wylie and Sherrie Wylie. Fifteen-year recipients were: Patricia Barry, Gina Beggs-Mineault, Bonnie Hughes, Patricia Reading. Those serving 20 years included: Helen Braun, Beulah Chambers, Susan Kelly, Gloria Patterson, and Sharon Weber. Recognized for 20 years of service were: Merle Arthurs, Anne Reid, Doddy Reid, Sharon Southern and Kim Williamson. In addition to Doig, Karen Dowler was recognized for 30 years, Dorothy Rundle received her 45-year pin..
Lorraine Skarratt shared the impact of volunteers locally, regionally, and province wide. She told a story regarding the scientific advances in isolating, identifying, and eradicating cancerous genes.
At the end of the evening, everyone was presented with a white spruce seedling from Wellington County’s Green Legacy program.
