Back to SearchThis evening, Kitchener's Lois Millar was named 2022 senior of the year in a ceremony held at the Kitchener Market. The award is part of the larger celebration for seniors' month in June. The annual award is presented by the Mayor's Advisory Council for Kitchener Seniors (MACKS) in partnership with Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, celebrating the contributions of residents 65+ in Kitchener. In addition to the senior of the year award, the evening ceremony recognized the achievements of 10 nominees.
"Tonight, I had the privilege of celebrating in person, the contributions of some really amazing older adults in our community who work tirelessly to build a better, more caring Kitchener," said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. "I am so pleased to present Lois with this year's senior of the year award and recognize her outstanding contributions as an inspiring role model to her peers and the community."
Despite her official retirement from nursing 15 years ago, Lois Millar continues to work in the emergency department at St. Mary's General Hospital as a casual part-time nurse. She readily volunteered for shifts during the pandemic when staffing challenges occurred and offered much-needed support to patients and colleagues during challenging times. Lois has witnessed a great deal of change in health care throughout her career and has always embraced these changes. She also played a key role in mentoring and supporting her colleagues, encouraging them to stay active to keep up with the demands of nursing.
Millar has been a member of the YMCA for 40 years and has volunteered for the YMCA's Healthy Hearts program for the past 15 years and the Rock Steady Boxing program for the last five years. The program could not meet in person during the pandemic, but Lois continued to volunteer virtually and kept in touch with her participants each week.
The award's selection panel, made up of members of Kitchener City Council, MACKS and City of Kitchener staff, carefully reviewed each nomination and selected a candidate whose contributions make a significant, positive impact on the community.
Other nominees for the award include Lerma Aguto, Rev. Brice Balmer, Jennifer Cameron, Catharine Gilbertson, Shirley Gosselin, Philip Martin, Don McDonald, Judy McKay, Mary Patterson and Adeline Warmington.
To learn more about Lois Millar, this year's senior of the year recipient and nominees, visit www.kitchener.ca/SOTY.
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For more information
Shawn Falcao
Manager, Corporate Communications
shawn.falcao@kitchener.ca
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