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Two local organizations recognized with Age Friendly Awards

February 5, 2025   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

The County of Simcoe hosted its second annual Age-Friendly Recognition Awards Ceremony celebrating the achievements of those who have taken significant steps to create inclusive, age-friendly communities.

The ceremony took place on Tuesday, Jan. 28 and two Alliston-based organizations were selected – the 54 Plus Seniors Centre and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 171.

Honorees were chosen by a selection committee in two categories – business and individuals.

Businesses were acknowledged for their efforts in enhancing services and accessibility, while individuals were celebrated for their dedication to fostering age-friendly communities and improving the quality of life for older adults across the region.

The public nomination process took place throughout the second half of 2024.

“We are grateful to the individuals and businesses who are leading the way in helping to create age-friendly communities across Simcoe County,” said County of Simcoe Warden Basil Clarke. “Their dedication to improving the lives of our older adults is inspiring and essential as we continue building an even more inclusive and supportive environment for all.”

The Individual Age-Friendly Recognition Award recipients are Frieda Baldwin (Midland), Betty Hancey (Collingwood), Sharon McLean (Barrie), Tamara Nowak-Lennard (Barrie), Sylvia Naughton (Barrie), Keara Sweet (Orillia), Joe and Jim Sorian (Barrie), Catherine Ecker (Barrie), Joe Fecht (Orillia), Kelly Ritchie (Barrie), Gertrude King (Wasaga Beach), Melanie Hopkinson (Collingwood), and Deb Bobechko (Barrie).

The Age-Friendly Business Recognition Award recipients are Information Orillia (Orillia), Saunders Book Company (Collingwood), Windlee Farms Maple Syrup (Tiny), RTO District 17 – Unit 1 of the Retired Teachers Organization (Springwater), 54 Plus Seniors Centre (Alliston), The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy (Barrie), Topline Feed and Farm (Tay), Bradford Greenhouses Garden Gallery (Springwater), Habitat for Humanity Huronia ReStores (Barrie), The Transformation Station (Barrie) and Alliston Legion – Branch 171.

“It is an honour to recognize the outstanding contributions of those who have gone above and beyond to support our older adults,” said Jane Sinclair, general manager of health and emergency services. “From businesses advancing services to individuals advocating for inclusivity, their efforts are integral to shaping a future where all ages can thrive. These exceptional individuals and organizations are showing how important it is to prioritize the well-being and dignity of all.”

The Age-Friendly Community Program was established in 2016 to increase awareness of the County’s aging population and help businesses and organizations evaluate their environment and service delivery.  

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