Former New View Society executive director Kathryn (Kay) Swalwell has received Port Coquitlam's first ever Lifetime Volunteer Award for her work in the community.
The award was presented at the city's Volunteer Recognition Awards gala at Riverside secondary Tuesday night and honours a woman whose volunteer efforts date back to 1969. Her work began with an informal social program for boarding home residents who had moved out of Riverview Hospital that eventually evolved into the New View Society.
Swalwell retired as New View's executive director in 2000 but has remained active, serving on the board of directors and organizing activities.
The Volunteer Recognition Awards were created in 1997 as a way of honouring and encouraging community participation. This year, a record 42 volunteers were nominated in six categories.
Those who received awards are:
Marilyn Sander - Arts, Heritage and Cultural Awareness;
Doreen Gilbert - Caring and Safety;
Dianne Ramage - Environmental Protection and Enhancement;
Gord McIntosh - Sports and Recreation;
Jamie Fulton - Youth Programs;
and Tamara Fader - Youth Under 21 award.
gmckenna@tricitynews.com
