At 97, Olds resident Fern Olson still keeps active — especially as a hospital volunteer.
For more than 21 years, Olson, a volunteer at the Olds Hospital and Care Centre, has contributed more than 3,800 volunteer hours in the facility's recreational therapy and gardening programs.
As a result, on Feb. 14, at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, she received the Alberta Health Services Spirit Award of Excellence in the Outstanding Achievement for Volunteers category.
Olson is the second oldest volunteer in Alberta Health Services' central zone.
When asked by the Albertan why she's still volunteering after all these years, Olson said, "I like people."
She noted she also volunteers at a seniors' lodge as well.
Olson pointed out this is the third award she's received for volunteering. She also received awards in 2014 and 2013.
When it was suggested that people obviously appreciate what she does, Olson said, "oh I don't know. I'm sure some of them do."
"To this day, Fern is still recruiting volunteers at her seniors' lodge to volunteer at our hospital. That just shows you how dedicated she is," said Tina Richards, volunteer coordinator for the Olds Hospital and Care Centre and the Sundre Hospital and Care Centre.
When asked if she plans to keep on volunteering, Olson said, "as long as I can."
"My health is quite good (but) I'm getting very old," she added.
