A Port au Port East resident who has dedicated much of her life to helping others has been honoured with a Seniors of Distinction Award.
Eileen Hann was among seven seniors to pick up the annual award, which recognizes and celebrates the contributions, achievements and diversity of seniors throughout the province.
“It gives you a great feeling and it keeps you young and active,” said Ms. Hann of her community-related work.
“I love volunteering and I love people and not that I do it to get awards – it’s just that I’m that kind of person. I inherited that from my father, he was always giving and helping people and I guess I got some of that in my genes.”
Ms. Hann has held many volunteer positions during the past four decades.
She was one of the founding members of the Port au Port East Firettes to support the local fire department, and a member for more than a decade.
She served as the Girl Guides Area Commissioner and as a member of the group’s provincial council. She served in a leadership role for many years with the Boy Scouts of Canada and local parent-teacher organizations.
Ms. Hann has been actively involved in various activities benefiting Maria Regina Parish and has served as president and vice-president of the Twilight Seniors 50+ Club.
She worked for many years as librarian, often bringing books to people who could not get to the library and aiding students with projects and assignments.
In addition, Ms. Hann has served as a town councillor in Port au Port East for 30 years and is the town’s current mayor.
“It gives you a great feeling and it keeps you young and active.” - Elieen Hann, speaking about volunteering
“One time I was volunteering with seven different things, right now I’m down to three – the seniors, the town and the church,” she said.
“Where we live, there are a lot of seniors on our street, so I try to do what I can do, but I’m a senior myself. Probably I have a little more energy than some of them, but it makes you feel good that you’re helping.”
‘Positive contributions’
The other winners of this year’s Seniors of Distinction Award were Albert Dober of Conception Bay South, Rev. Arthur G. Elliott of Lewisporte, Lillian Parsons of Victoria, Aneitha Sheaves of Port aux Basques, Mary Smith of Norman’s Cove, and Major William Tilley of Paradise.
The recipients received their awards from Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services and Minister Responsible for Aging and Seniors, at a ceremony in St. John’s.
“The seven men and women honoured today represent the very best in community involvement, dedication and participation and have been recognized for their continued work in their communities,” said the minister, in a release.
“Seniors throughout Newfoundland and Labrador help make positive contributions to our communities and our province. Our government recognizes these substantial contributions and continues to support and invest in programs that encourage active healthy lifestyles in our senior population.”
