UVic honours elder volunteers
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Updated: October 13, 2009 3:45 PM
Akiko Kamitakahara and Terry Cushing have been honoured for their years spent as volunteers in Greater Victoria.
The two were chosen as recipients of the Valued Elder Recognition Award given out by the University of Victoria Centre on Aging on the International day of the Older Person, Thursday, Oct. 1.
Cushing has spent time in every province, including a stint in the army. She ended up at Royal Roads where she cooked for 15 years.
“Those (military) boys would eat everything but the pattern on the plate,” said Cushing.
She began volunteering in 1975 for Wrens (Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service) and continues do so to this day as the treasurer. She also helps at the West Shore Adult Day Program and at four other organizations.
Kamitakahara was quick to praise the committee for honouring the nominees.
“I don’t do it for (recognition), but it’s nice. Just to be nominated I was really floored, but that’s as far as I take it with so many great nominees,” she said.
Kamitakahara came to Victoria from southern Alberta in 1988 and, not knowing a soul, she began to volunteer in hopes that the networking would open opportunities for her to find work. “I got my job, but volunteering got my foot in the door,” she said. Though she retired 13 years ago, Kamitakahara continues to volunteer.
A tree is planted at UVic in honour of each VERA recipient.
editor@vicnews.com
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