Manitoba's Senior of the Year Award

Organized by the Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care, The Manitoba's Seniors of the Year Awards 2023 will celebrate Manitobans, ages 65 and older, who have made an outstanding voluntary contribution to enrich the social, cultural or civic life of our community. Recognized endeavors may include, but not be limited to, fields such as the arts, literature, community service, education, fitness, sport or humanitarian activities.

2023 Award Categories

senior of the year award

Senior of the Year Award

The Senior of the Year award recognizes Manitobans age 65 and older who are making an outstanding voluntary contribution to enrich the social, cultural or civic life of their community.

Barbara Guia

Barbara Guia is an outstanding Manitoban who provides support to persons in care homes, international students, schoolchildren and older adults in our province. Mental health is very important and Barbara helps to fill that gap by visiting care home residents without visitors enabling them to feel socially connected. Barbara also actively provides transportation to Manitobans to medical and non-medical appointments, offers the Portuguese community with her translations skills, co-founded the Men's Resource Centre of Manitoba, developed the LINC Language program at the Portuguese Cultural Centre, is a lunch monitor at an elementary school and is part of numerous boards and committees that make Manitoba an ideal place to age. Barbara is a true driving force of inspiration, love, care and leadership by example.


Dale Martin

Dale Martin is passionate about books, learning, education and a resident librarian at Lions Manor. Lions Manor's population is comprised of low-income senior resident who face barriers accessing mentally engaging material and social activities due to multiple limitations which contributes to social isolation, stagnation and declining health and wellbeing. Dale singlehandedly undertook the responsibility to fully stock and manage the shelves of their library with diverse selection of books, CDs, DVDs, puzzle and games. Dale also facilitates monthly group discussions. Through Dale's efforts, residents can now access books, games and puzzles to engage their mind and expand their imagination as well as provided residents with the opportunity to interact with others, to build relationships and develop their emotional well-being. Through Dale's initiative, she has inspired the new resource coordinator to apply for funds to further the opportunity for residents to socialize and participate in activities. She is a touchstone to both residents and staff as a reason to stay and return to the facility. Dale is an essential resource to our vulnerable seniors and organization. Dale has created something meaningful, putting her indelible mark on a corner of the building that will have a lasting impact on residents to come.


Ernie Loewen

Ernie Loewen is an involved and active community member in Rosenort, Manitoba. In his retirement, Ernie and his wife MaryAnn actively work with fellow residents to improve the apartment complex they currently live in. Ernie was also a key person in the purchase of a community house that provides housing for an at risk family. In addition, Ernie offers free financial advice, welcomes new community members for meals in their homes and is now working on providing a gazebo to the apartment complex he currently lives in. Ernie continues to influence people around him and continues to take on new projects and welcomes people into the community.


Jeanne Desrochers

Jeanne Desrochers is an active member and présidente de L'Association des residents de Place des Meurons. The pandemic has had an incredible impact on older adults; isolation, lack of community connections and lack of social engagement had a detrimental affect on the lives of older adults. Jeanne encourages and motivates residents of Place Des Meurons to stay active, connected and engaged in community while also encouraging them to take care of their physical health. Throughout her time, Jeanne has fundraised over $60,000, which has supported senior serving organizations and non-profit organizations in our communities. Jeanne is an inspiration to all to remain active, connected and engaged in community.


Marian Templeton

Marian Templeton is the Special Events Coordinator on the Phoenix Recreation Association's Board in Headingley. During the pandemic, Marian coordinated family friendly challenges while respecting social distancing. One such event was the Giant Pumpkin Growing contest. These events promoted a sense of community, a sense of belonging and increase resident's involvement and personal interactions within the community during a difficult time. Marian has organized events such as the Monthly Family Movie/Bingo Night, annual Halloween Howl Family Dance, Petting Zoos, weekly Meat Draws and is the lead organizer of annual large-scale community events like the Phoenix Winter Carnival & Headingley Family Fun Day. Additionally, Marian helps with the Seniors Annual Craft Sale, is the lead on the Community Crime Watch Group and has volunteered with the Headingley Community Foundation. Marian has a passion for volunteering, is a great leader, mentor and community ambassador, and has a way for getting people involved and working towards a common goal.


Margie Hannah

Margie Hannah is an engaged community member and is integral to the operation of community events and organizations. Lack of volunteers is the largest cause of community events and organizations not succeeding. By sitting on numerous boards and giving her time and talents to the roles that need to be filled, Margie is ensuring events and activities are successfully executed. Margie is the treasurer of the Waskada Rink concessions, the Waskada Chamber of Commerce and the Evening Circle (Ladies Service Club). In addition, Margie is a board member of the Waskada library and the Waskada United Church. In these various roles, Margie fully organizes events and fundraises ensuring the upkeep of facilities. Margie is always willing to get involved in local activities and to support local initiatives.


Norah Driedger

Norah has volunteered on the Board of Directors for the Minnedosa Seniors Citizens' Association since 2019. Over the last several years, Norah has worked to obtain numerous grants to ensure their senior's Centre remains in operation, providing a safe and accessible space that is open to community members 50 years and over and can be rented by all community members. Over the past few years, the Centre has experienced multiple challenging events that have threatened its closure. In 2020 during covid-19, not only were there challenges due to the pandemic, the community experienced major weather events in 2020 and 2022, flooding the Centre overnight with no warning. Norah worked to arrange sandbagging, cleaning crews to clean the centre and worked with insurance companies and contractors to ensure the centre was improved though renovations and repairs. Without Norah's perseverance in seeking funding and grants, the Centre would not be in operation today. Norah has also brought in a technology component to the Centre, securing iPads where they can teach seniors how to use them and are available for use by anyone at the Centre. Norah has also obtained grants to have a live band perform for afternoon dances through the winter. Norah is currently focusing on intergenerational


Patricia Rawsthorne

Ms. Rawsthorne is a long-time advocate who has provided frontline health care as a nurse for many years and has been very involved in research, outreach to the community and advocacy. Ms.Rawsthorne has been involved in research projects through the University of Manitoba and in the LTC Advisory Council WRHA and CIHR/AI Advisory Council (Regional West) with many other actively involved seniors have provided Ms. Rawsthorne great insights into seniors and what seniors want as they age in our societies.

In 2015, she started the Canada Long Term Care Reform Facebook Page and uses the phrase "aging is not a disease" to emphasize that the needs of the aging should not be dealt with by putting older folks in institutions like hospitals and personal care homes. Ms.Rawsthorne is a strong advocate for aging in place and community based care and for the Buurtzorg Neighbourhood Care model in the Netherlands that focuses on these principals. She has also been advocating for more gerontologists and nurse practitioners with gerontology experience to help seniors stay in their communities.


active living award

Active & Healthy Living Award

The Active & Healthy Living award recognizes Manitobans age 65 and over who are helping to create active and healthy communities through community involvement and as a role model.

Alice Sklar

Alice is a Manitoban committed to active and healthy living. Alice has led a line dancing class for over 17 years, offered musical entertainment to communities, worked to maintain a retired teacher connection for 30 years and provides assistance to seniors in their community. Lack of volunteers, transportation and access to community programs essential to remain active and healthy in communities are often limited in rural areas, Alice works to fill this gap. A major volunteer commitment has been her leadership in organizing and instructing a weekly line dancing class from October to April each year since 2006. The class is open to all at no cost, each year the class draws 15-25 participants with original members still going strong! Alice has also contributed to the well-being of Gladstone by providing musical entertainment to residents of long- term care facilities, seniors apartments, seniors club and special events. Alice is a shining example of how each of us can contribute to our communities by staying active and involved in helping others.


Barbara Morris

Barbara has committed her career to teaching youth and seniors skills to last a lifetime - swimming, aqua-fit and mat exercises. In retirement, Barbara's commitment and passion is to keep seniors physically active and engaged. Many older adults face hurdles in remaining active in community. For these reasons, Barbara has worked hard to create a community within North Centennial Seniors Association to support members by connecting them to activities so they can remain active. Examples of programs available through the North Centennial Seniors Association are the walking and painting group. In addition, Barbara is a volunteer Grandma for the Grandma and Grandpa Swim Program. The Grandma and Grandpa Swim Program pairs seniors with pre-schoolers in local daycares to participate in swim classes. Barbara encourages others to be part of the program. Barbara encourages and inspires others through her words and actions. She is a wonderful example of aging with humour, grace and agility.


Cory Juan

Cory Juan has been a driving force behind Active Living Seven Oak (ALSO). Cory actively works to promote the physical and mental wellness of older adults across all cultures living in north Winnipeg. Older Adults in the Seven Oaks face many barriers especially during the pandemic and Cory worked tirelessly to get older adults engaged once restriction lifted. Cory encourages capable members to become mentors and volunteers to help sustain the ALSO programs. Cory ensures that this diverse group of approximately 90 members remain active through exercise, are educated by various speakers, and participate in mindful activities to help stay mentally sharp. Most recently, Cory was able to collaborate with the Seven Oaks School Division to provide inter-generational program opportunities. The ALSO program has survived thanks to the thousands of Cory's volunteer hours to ensure older adults in north Winnipeg have opportunities to be active and connect with each other. Cory is an older adult role model, and is living proof of the benefits of being active no matter the age.


David Lumgair

On his rural property near Morden and Thornhill Manitoba, David has created the Shannondale cross-country ski trails that have been in operation for about 15 years. His property has been a mecca for outdoor inspired activities and a premier designation for the cross-country skiing community in Manitoba. David has created a sign along Highway 3 inviting people to his trails with his personal moniker, "Fresh Air Is Health Care". Every February during Heart Health Month, David hosts a Heart and Stroke fundraiser encouraging people to support this worthy organization while skiing and strengthening their own heart health. During the pandemic, it has been especially difficult for individuals to find safe environments to maintain their mental and physical health, but David's space has allowed people to continue physical activity in a safe manner. David was also one of the original members of the Stanley Trail Association helping to solidify the RM of Stanley section of the Trans Canada Trail. David is described as a unique and special individual with boundless energy. He is selfless, freely giving people an opportunity in their community to live healthy lives.


Regina has taught line dancing, aerobics, ballroom dancing, chair aerobics and chair yoga to people of all ages at the Southdale and Windsor Community Centres. While Regina has provided classes to the general public, she has also provided classes such as sit-to-be-fit, chair yoga and aerobics for seniors to give everyone an opportunity regardless of ability to stay fit. Regina is extremely active and energetic and sits on the Manitoba Fitness Council as a board member, and is an activist to provide opportunities for active seniors. In 2022, Regina was elected as the Urban Fitness Leader of the Year. Many of the people Regina has taught have become regulars to her classes, proving health, active living, friendships and supports for all members. Regina is described as an energetic gem of an individual who gives so much of herself to both people's physical and mental well-being.


Tom Creighton

There are approximately 6 million Special Olympics Athletes, in 172 countries around the world. One of those 6 million athletes is my grandson Brett. Brett is an amazing young man and a shining example of the benefits derived from the programs and services provided by the Special Olympics organization. To "celebrate" his 80th birthday, Tom decided to do a virtual walk across Canada to raise money for Special Olympics Manitoba. His goal was to walk from Vancouver to Halifax (a total of 4,434 kms) and raise $100,000. In December of 2022, he reached his goal. This original walk was called "Papa's Walk". In 2023, Special Olympics Canada promoted "Walk with Papa" which encouraged individuals or teams to walk and if possible raise funds for Special Olympics. Tom continues to walk 2-2.5 hours (8-10 miles) six days a week and encourages others to walk and get fit. Whenever possible, Tom promotes "Walk with Papa" with his bright "Papa's Walk" t-shirt that states his goals for 2023. Tom is passionate about promoting Special Olympics, being the grandfather of a Special Olympian, but also loves to promote walking as a way to remain healthy and active as one gets older.


centenarian club award

Centenarian Club

The Centenarian Club is a one-of-a-kind community of Manitobans aged 100 and older. As a club member, centenarians are be able to share their life stories, lessons and experiences with all Manitobans which will no doubt motivate us all to live our lives to the fullest.

Please meet some of our new club members.

Anna Stevens

What is the secret to longevity?

The secret to my longevity is that I always have a positive outlook on life, always saw the good in people and enjoyed the company of family, friends and neighbours, I have good night sleeps and a good strong cup of Icelandic sock coffee.

What was the most important invention of your lifetime?

The most important invention of my lifetime was the invention of the black and white television.

What was the best decade of your life and why?

The best decade of my life was the 1950s as this was the decade I had my five children.

What is your best advice for a young person?

The best advice I have for a young person is that the greatest gift in life is the love of family. It is also important to ALWAYS have a positive attitude and outlook on life.

Is there anything you wanted to do that you didn't get around to doing?

I wished I had travelled more.


What is the secret to longevity?

The secret to my longevity is that there is no secret, I just kept going day by day and remained active. It also helps to have good genes.

What was the most important invention of your lifetime?

The most important invention of my lifetime was television and sports.

What was the best decade of your life and why?

The best decade of my life was every single decade. My whole life was a great memory and every decade had something to celebrate.

What is your best advice for a young person?

Be respectful of others, plays lots of sport and remain physically active, and always be kind to others.

Is there anything you wanted to do that you didn't get around to doing?

I enjoyed my life and have no regrets. I do wish I was able to see a Blue Jays games in person.


Germaine Brunel

What is the secret to longevity?

The secret to my longevity is that I always worked hard.

What was the most important invention of your lifetime?

The most important invention in my lifetime was electricity and hydro.

What was the best decade of your life and why?

The best decade of my life was the 1940's, it's the decade I got married.

What is your best advice for a young person?

My best advice for a young person is to work hard, have good work ethic, always be honest, and always have respect for one another.

Is there anything you wanted to do that you didn't get around to doing?

I would not change a single thing about life; I would live my life over again with no changes.


What is the secret to longevity?

The secret to my longevity is that I never drank alcohol, never smoked, I have a strong faith and it's been my stronghold, and I was an active community volunteer.

What was the most important invention of your lifetime?

The most important invention of my lifetime are television, cordless phones and cellphones.

What was the best decade of your life and why?

The best decade of my life was after the Depression and the Second World War had ended. My years of teaching in the 1940s and 1950s was the most enjoyable to me. Teaching young children to read was a passion of mine and very important to me.

What is your best advice for a young person?

Always give your best effort in all you do and keep a sense of humour.

Is there anything you wanted to do that you didn't get around to doing?

I never made a trip to Hawaii.


Mildred Giesbrecht

What is the secret to longevity?

The secret to my longevity is that I surrounded myself with nice people, sleep well, eat healthy, drank plenty of water, and never smoked.

What was the most important invention of your lifetime?

The most important invention of my lifetime was the washing machine (a wringer washer). I remember when my mom got a washing machine it was so exciting!

What was the best decade of your life and why?

The best decade of my life was when my family was young; I enjoyed raising my children.

What is your best advice for a young person?

My best advice to a young person is to be kind to their mothers and always love her.

Is there anything you wanted to do that you didn't get around to doing?

I would not change a single thing about my life. I've had a good life. One of the highlights was that I got to see Buckingham Palace.


What is the secret to longevity?

The secret to my longevity is good genes.

What was the most important invention of your lifetime?

The most important invention of my lifetime is the computer and internet as we now have information readily available.

What was the best decade of your life and why?

The best decade of my life was my third decade. I enjoyed watching and parenting my kids as they grew up

What is your best advice for a young person?

My best advice for a young person is to collect as much information on your family history while you still have the sources available. Always look after your health.

Is there anything you wanted to do that you didn't get around to doing?

I received a diploma in Home Economics from the University of Manitoba; I wish I had put it to better use. I also would have liked to be able to continue my education and receive a degree.


If you are celebrating a significant birthday and/or anniversary you may request a congratulatory message from federal and provincial dignitaries, please apply through The Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.