Two Central Albertans were among the recipients of the 2023 Minister’s Seniors Service Awards.
Linda R. S. Shepherd, of Red Deer County, and Joyce Wicks, of Sundre, received awards in honour of their efforts to improve the lives of seniors and their communities through outstanding service.
The Town of Innisfail was also one of three municipalities to be presented with the Age-friendly Alberta Recognition Award for making structures and services more accessible and inclusive for seniors with varying needs.
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Shepherd received the Alice Modin Award for her exceptional commitment to her community and the province through long-term volunteer service.
Shepherd said advocating for health care has been important to her. It started when former Premier Ralph Klein was looking at closing rural hospitals, and she worked with others to keep Bashaw’s hospital open.
Since then she has continued to volunteer.
“I’ve always wanted to help people so my volunteer work has given me that privilege,” Shepherd said.
She said it would be impossible to pick a favourite volunteer activity because she enjoys them all.
“You get to meet so many great people. I love hearing their stories because I believe that every person has a story to tell if you take the time to listen.”
Shepherd has amassed over 25 years of volunteer service at the Golden Circle Senior Resource Centre, and served as the centre’s board chair.
She has impacted her community through initiatives such as The Friendship Club, an inclusive social opportunity for seniors in Red Deer area, and Imagine Citizens Network to amplify the voices of seniors and those with disabilities.
For over 10 years, Shepherd has distinguished herself as a United Way Ambassador and was also a leader on the board for the Central Alberta Council on Aging.
As a wheelchair user, she is an advocate for accessibility and disability supports and uses her experience to provide consultations and advice on improving accessibility. Her years of persistent advocacy resulted in accessible transportation for seniors and people with disabilities within Red Deer County. Her involvement with Central Alberta Poverty Alliance, on the Transportation Action Committee, also resulted in enhancements to the service.
Shepherd volunteers with Alberta Health Services on their Patient Advisory Council, and with Nutrition Services where she acts as a nutrition advisor for seniors.
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Wicks received the Special Service Award - All-Star Award which recognizes those who promote healthy aging through innovative programs or services supporting seniors.
The retired nurse has been a key member of the Sundre Health Professional Recruitment and Retention Committee.
She has been dedicated to initiatives such as the Sundre Seniors Go Virtual classes, addressing the technological needs of seniors, reducing seniors isolation, and arranging appreciation events for health care professionals.
She has spent countless hours preparing hot lunches, fostering continuous learning, and securing grant funding to enhance their well-being.
Her advocacy spans to senior’s health and tirelessly seeks resources to enhance their well-being, organizes educational programs, and aids in housing arrangements for incoming healthcare professionals and their families.
At Mountain View Seniors Housing Commission, Wicks organizes excursions to improve seniors’ mental health and get them out into the community.