A local woman will be recognized at the launch of Seniors' Week this year.Fern Olson will be accepting the provincial proclamation on behalf of Alberta seniors on June 2 at the Westend Seniors Activity Centre in Edmonton.The honour is presented to a senior or seniors' group that is actively involved in a community, said Jessica Potter, a spokesperson for Alberta Health.“She's considered a very strong contributor to her community. She shows strong community leadership,” she said. “She's a very good example of the difference a volunteer can make in the community.”Olson, who is in her 90s, has spent time in many volunteer roles in Olds. Among her activities over the years, she has volunteered at the hospital, initiated story hour at the Olds and District Municipal Library and served on the Parkland Regional Library board.She has also volunteered at the Olds Fair, Kiwanis Music Festival and various fundraising events.When contacted, Olson said she felt honoured by the gesture, adding that she never worked for the recognition but served the community because she loves people.Seniors' Week, which runs from June 2 to 8, is meant to recognize the contributions the elderly have made.“Seniors play a variety of important roles. They're not just our grandparents. They're also employers and business owners, volunteers, mentors and caregivers,” Potter said. “And the hard work of our seniors has really, truly made our province what it is today.”“So Seniors' Week is a chance to celebrate the great impact that Alberta seniors have on all of us.”[email protected]
