At this rate, Stratford volunteer Jean Aitcheson is going to need a bigger trophy case.
At this rate, Stratford volunteer Jean Aitcheson is going to need a bigger trophy case.
Four weeks after becoming a member of the Order of Canada, Aitcheson accepted an Ontario Senior Achievement Award in Toronto on Tuesday from Lt-Gov. Elizabeth Dowdswell and the province’s minister for seniors and accessibility, Raymond Cho.
“Oh my goodness, it’s like, unbelievable,” Aitcheson said when she was reached by the Beacon Herald a day later, shortly before she began her trip back to Stratford. “It was a pretty exciting day; it really was.”
Aitcheson is a retired registered nurse who has spent nearly 30 years organizing the Stratford Mission Depot, a small grassroots group of volunteers who collect unused medical supplies in support of humanitarian aid efforts outside of Canada. She was put on the province’s radar for the accolade in October, when she was named Stratford’s Senior of the Year at its annual Community Recognition Awards.
Aitcheson – one of 16 seniors from across Ontario to receive an award this week – was joined Tuesday by her family and two local politicians, Stratford Mayor Martin Ritsma and Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae.
“This is really an incredible award and … I thank Stratford city council for this because they were the ones that submitted my name to the province,” said Aitcheson, adding that she’s sharing the award with other Stratford Mission Depot volunteers, donors and the various organizations that make sure the supplies they collect make it overseas to people who need them. “I share this, again, with all of them.”
The annual Ontario Senior Achievement Awards recognize people who have made outstanding contributions to their communities through voluntary or professional activities after the age of 65.
“There was a lot of talent there,” Aitcheson said. “I was with good company, let me tell you.”
Ontario has recognized 676 seniors since the award was created in 1987.
“I am inspired by your dedication in helping seniors across our province,” Cho said in a statement. “On behalf of all Ontarians, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for your commitment and exceptional service. You are role models for our future and for all ages.”
The Stratford Mission Depot has recently been sending medical supplies to war-torn Ukraine. Another shipment is about to leave, Aitcheson said, at which point volunteers will begin to restock the depot’s shelves through donations.
“We’re still needing all of those supplies,” she said. “If anybody has medical supplies, medications … at their home that they’re not using, we’ll be very, very happy to receive those.”