The Riverview Gardens Family Council announces that the recipient of the 2022 Norm Lachapelle Award for Volunteerism is Charlie Slade.
Municipal officials say the Norm Lachapelle Award for Volunteerism was created in 2019 by the Riverview Gardens Family Council.
“I don’t volunteer to receive awards, but I knew Norm personally for many years, so I am honoured to receive an award that’s dedicated to him,” Slade said, in a media release.
The first award recipient was Loues Duguay in 2020, followed by Deb Powers in 2021.
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 Charlie Slade to be the recipient of the 2022 Norm Lachapelle Award for Volunteerism because of his dedication to Riverview Gardens,” said Janice Ward, Co-Chair of Riverview Gardens Family Council, in a media release.
“Charlie started volunteering because he saw a need and knew it was one that he could fulfill. He knew that it was his calling to bring a little joy and comfort to the residents of Riverview Gardens.”
Ward added: “To date, Charlie has over 1700 volunteer service hours and counting. He visits on behalf of The Salvation Army, while also being on the Spiritual Care Committee. He porters residents to and from the Hair Salon and assists with bingos and big events. He does one on one visits and assists with the Resident Satisfaction Survey. He has even been known to deliver the newsletters periodically. Charlie is also a part of the End-of-Life Volunteer roster, where he supports residents until family arrives, or for their final moments of life. Charlie is very reliable and always available for last minute assistance.”
Linda Lachapelle, Norm’s wife, said she is “beyond humbled that Family Council created this award in Norm’s name and allows our family to be a part of the presentation.
“This award shines a light on Riverview Gardens volunteers who are devoted, and it gives an opportunity to show them how appreciative we are that they provide such an essential service to the Riverview Gardens residents, especially in these trying times,” she said.
Municipal officials say with risk of isolation and depression due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, volunteers enhance resident’s quality of life.
Currently, some volunteer activities include: one to one visiting, meal assistance, bartending, Spiritual Service assistance and small activity assistance.
Individuals interested in volunteering at Riverview Gardens can find more information and apply online at www.ckriverviewgardens.ca.
