“Do what you can while you’re still standing.”
That’s the advice seniors advocate Lorna Gibbs had for the crowd gathered at the South Vancouver Neighbourhood House Feb. 23, to celebrate her Medal of Good Citizenship awarded by Vancouver-Fraserview MLA Suzanne Anton, on behalf of Premier Christy Clark.
The medal recognizes individuals who, through exceptional long-term service, have made outstanding contributions to their communities without expectation of remuneration or reward. The medal reflects their generosity, service, acts of selflessness and contributions to community life.
Gibbs was honoured as a “dedicated community volunteer and vocal advocate for improving the programs, services and facilities of Vancouver South” and for participating in numerous community development issues, committees and agencies, focusing especially on seniors' needs.
In addition to her service on numerous boards and committees, Gibbs is a founding member and president of the Southeast Vancouver Seniors' Centre Society. Through her work on a variety of seniors' programs, services and issues, Gibbs has changed the lives of many seniors and inspired many more to contribute to their community. In 2014, Gibbs was rewarded for her efforts to bring all three levels of government together when funding was secured to build a seniors centre in South Vancouver.
Gibbs has also brought seniors from diverse ethnic backgrounds together to gather stories for two published books: Stories of Southeast Vancouver and Meals and Memories, an illustrated cookbook. This work brought greater understanding and friendship to the hundreds of seniors involved.
On Feb. 28, Gibbs was honoured again, this time with the Civic Volunteer Award at the Vancouver Awards of Excellence presented by Mayor Gregor Robertson and members of city council. At that ceremony, former Premier Mike Harcourt was also honoured with the Freedom of the City Award. To see the entire list of those honoured at the ceremony, visit vancouver.ca.
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