MEDIA RELEASE Date: Saturday, 29 May 2021

Ottawa – At its annual general meeting on May 29, Abbeyfield Canada recognized four volunteers for their many years of fundraising and development work and time served of the boards of their local Abbeyfield Houses.

Ann Bergen, of Fort St. John, B.C., and Jack Jamieson, of Armstrong, B.C., each received an Abbeyfield Champion Award, while Brenda Carlson, of High River, Alta., and Gavin Hall, of Armstrong, each received a Robert McMullan Award for Volunteering Excellence.

Ann’s award recognizes fundraising and development work that Ann and her late husband Ben have undertaken for the Abbeyfield Fort St. John House. They introduced the Abbeyfield concept to local residents and officials beginning in 2007 as they presented a design for a House in Fort St. John. The House opened in 2008 on land that Ben donated. Since that time, Ann has organized many fundraisers with the goal of paying off the House’s mortgage. As well as serving in various capacities on the Fort St. John board for many years, Ann was a national board member from 2009 to 2012.

Jack received his Abbeyfield Champion Award from long-time friend and Abbeyfield benefactor Frank Milne. The award recognizes Jack’s over 20 years of service on the Armstrong House board, where he joined his wife Dawn in 2001, one year after incorporation and as the House was under construction. He served as director, vice chairman, and chairman over the years until his retirement in 2019.

Jack’s championing of the ‘Abbeyfield Way’, included bringing his aging aunt to Armstrong to live in the Armstrong House, and introducing many local residents to the concept of what Abbeyfield offers older adults.

Brenda was presented with a Robert McMullan to recognize her involvement in Abbeyfield High River since the House opened in 2007. She has served in many board capacities and has been a dominant force in fundraising, advertising and promoting the House and Abbeyfield model. Brenda and her husband Don have allowed the Abbeyfield board to hold monthly meetings within their business. Recently, Brenda was proactive in securing personal protective equipment and supplies to successfully safeguard staff and residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gavin was given a Robert McMullan Award in thanks for his many years of volunteering with Abbeyfield Armstrong House. Gavin was instrumental in founding the House in the late 1990’s when he convinced Peter Unrau to provide his home and property for the House. He worked with city officials and founded the Abbeyfield Armstrong Society, then served on the board for over 20 years, resigning in late 2020. During this time, Gavin supported the House manager and took on many practical jobs, helping to maintain the House and grounds.

Abbeyfield Canada provides affordable accommodation for lonely elders in their own community. There are 20 Abbeyfield Houses from Vancouver Island to Ontario with approximately 215 residents.

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For More Information, please contact:

Andrea Geary

Director Board Member – Abbeyfield Canada

1-613-237-0713

[email protected]