Jean Kirby, a resident of Redland, has been nominated for the 2012 Minister’s Senior Service Awards.
“I really enjoy helping people, it’s important to me,” said Jean Kirby.
Kirby, 84, herself volunteers for the Rockyford Friendship Club.
There she volunteers baking and cooking for various community events, including “soup day” at the church. She also drives seniors to doctor’s appointments as far as Calgary sometimes.
“I drive people who maybe don’t have a vehicle, or have eye problems if I can help out I’m happy,” said Kirby.
Kirby has been a member of the Friendship Club for 20 years now. She said it gets her out of the house and she finds it extremely rewarding to be able to contribute to the community.
She recalled a time while helping out at a church lunch. She said when it came time to clean up she got right busy.
“I heard someone call out and say ‘now look at her she can do it and she’s no spring chicken,’” said Kirby with a little bit of a laugh.
The Minister’s Senior Service Awards is an annual program that recognizes volunteer efforts made by individual Albertans to make a difference in senior’s lives.
Kirby was very modest when congratulated on her nomination, but she said it felt pretty good to be recognized and that she’s very thankful for the nomination.
