Newfoundland and Labrador Seniors of Distinction awards handed out
There are many resources across the globe we hold valuable.
There is none any greater than our seniors and all they bring and have done to make our lives better through the contributions they have made on behalf of all of us.
Those contributions were celebrated worldwide Monday, as Oct. 1 is the International Day of Older Persons.
Those accomplishments are celebrated provincially through the annual Seniors of Distinction Awards hosted by the Children, Seniors and Social Development department in conjunction with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador celebration of National Seniors Day at the Capital Hotel in St. John’s on Monday.
The awards program was designed to identify and celebrate the contributions, achievements and diversity of older persons throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development Lisa Dempster was on hand to make the presentations to the 2018 winners than includes Harrison Campbell of Pinsent’s Arm, Catherine M. Williams Kleinwort of Spaniard’s Bay, Yamuna Kutty of St. John’s, Zita Muise of South Branch and Capt. Joseph Prim of St. Johns.
“The older adults of our province make incredible contributions that enrich the lives of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians,” Dempster said.
“I feel tremendously honoured to have been given the opportunity to recognize these five deserving individuals, who have set an admirable example for all of us to follow,” she added.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the basis for the provincial awards, turns 70 this year and the International Day for Older Persons celebrates the importance of the declaration as it serves to reaffirm the commitment of promoting the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by older persons.
Monday’s event serves to raise the visibility of the seniors across this province who have been and continue to be valuable and committed members of society who set out to make a difference in all our lives.
This may come with challenges, but they forge through the rough waters to ensure the rights and freedoms this country was founded on are upheld.
“Our government appreciates the commitment, dedication and service of seniors who distinguish themselves by giving of their time and talents to enrich our communities,’’ Premier Dwight Ball said in a news release Monday.
“These five individuals represent the best that our province has to offer, and we owe them, and all who volunteer in our communities, a debt of sincere gratitude,” he added.
For brief profiles of the 2018 recipients of the 2018 Seniors of Distinction Awards visit www. thetelegram.com.