The Riverview Gardens Family Council has announced that the recipient of the 2021 Norm LaChapelle Award for Volunteerism is Deb Powers.
The Norm LaChapelle Award for Volunteerism was created in 2019 by the Riverview Gardens Family Council.
The first award recipient was Loues Duguay in April of 2020. Family Council created this award in honour of fellow member, friend and volunteer Norm LaChapelle, who passed away suddenly in 2018.
“We, as representatives of Family Council, chose Deb Powers to be the recipient of the 2021 Norm LaChapelle Award for Volunteerism because of her dedication to Riverview Gardens,” stated Janice Ward, member of Riverview Gardens Family Council, in a media release.
“Like many others she started volunteering because she had a loved one within long-term care but continued to volunteer long after her loved ones were no longer in long-term care.”
Powers has had a long history of volunteerism, Municipal officials say.
“I was first exposed to long-term care when my mother was admitted to Victoria Residence,” Powers said in a media release.
“I was so impressed with the staff and entire experience that I became a volunteer there after my mother passed away. I’ve been volunteering at Riverview Gardens since the building opened and love doing so. I porter residents to activities and really enjoy one on one visits with all of the residents. Volunteering at RVG feeds my soul and I plan to volunteer there as long as I’m able.”
Powers has been volunteering for almost 20 years and has given more than 1,500 hours to the residents of Riverview Gardens.
“Deb arrives every day with a smile, ready to share her great sense of humour with whom ever she comes in contact with,” Ward added.
With increased isolation and risk of depression due to the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteers enhance resident’s quality of life, Municipal officials say.
Currently, some volunteer activities include: one to one visiting, meal assistance and virtual connections.
Individuals interested in volunteering at Riverview Gardens can apply online at www.ckriverviewgardens.ca in the ‘Join the RVG Team’ tab.
