2019 Senior Person of the Year Helen Gray with runner-up Karen Chalmers. The award was not given in 2020 due to the covid-19 lockdown. PHOTO/FILE
SOUMYA BHAMIDIPATI
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After being derailed by covid-19 last year, organisers of this year’s Senior Person of the Year are determined to recognise a special older person.
The award celebrates those who have made an impact on others, given their time and service, and contributed to community life.
Run by Age Concern Wairarapa, it was supported by Wairarapa’s three councils as part of the Wairarapa Regional Positive Ageing Strategy.
Age Concern manager Nik Rilkoff said a special morning tea celebration was planned for October 1, the International Day of Older Persons, covid alert-level permitting.
“We’re not going to let covid beat us this year, and so even if we can’t have an awards ceremony in person, we want to make a big deal out of the lovely, often awe-inspiring, older people in our community,” she said.
“With all this time in our bubbles, I am certain that we can pick up a pen and write down the reasons why an older person we know deserves to be celebrated.”
The last winner to be named Senior Person of the Year was Helen Gray in 2019.
To be eligible, a nominee must be over 65 and a Wairarapa resident of more than five years. They would need to have made a significant contribution through volunteer or community work, and shared their life experience, skills, and time with others.
- For more information or to nominate someone, email [email protected]. Nominations close on Friday, September 24.
