Top 7 Over 70 awards founder Jim Gray visits Medicine Hat to congratulate the community on the success of the previous gala at the launch event Wednesday.--NEWS PHOTO ANNA SMITH
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
Both nominations and ticket sales are set to begin for this year’s Top 7 Over 70 awards for Medicine Hat, celebrating the contributions of seniors in the region.
At the launch event Wednesday, dignitaries stopped to commemorate the impact of the local event, which has served as a springboard to bring the initiative far beyond where it originated in Calgary. Among visitors was Jim Gray, founder of the project, who praised the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta for their success for the previous gala.
“If you hadn’t put the ball in the basket, then I’m very, very concerned it would not have spread across the country the way it has,” said Gray. “It was absolutely critical that our Medicine Hat program was a success, and it was a great success.”
He says they owe a great deal to Medicine Hat as the first event to be hosted after Calgary and it has been an example to many of the communities which have since expressed interest in hosting their own awards.
Nominations for the region’s top 7 over 70 opens on Mar. 2, as do ticket sales for the upcoming Gala, which will be hosted on Oct. 14 at Medalta. Those who know someone over the age of 70 who has made a significant contribution, be that in agriculture, arts, philanthropy or many other fields are encouraged to submit those nominees up until June 30.
“The Top 7 Over 70 awards not only applaud remarkable accomplishments, but also serve as an inspiration for generations to come, emphasizing that age is no barrier to innovation, creativity and positive societal impacts,” said current acting mayor Chris Hellman at the event.
He adds encouragement for residents to put forward those in their lives who have made an impact, to continue to have Medicine Hat be a part of what is a growing, nationwide movement to celebrate the accomplishments of older adults.
While Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Justin Wright was unable to attend due to the current legislature session, he sent comment expressing pride in the city and region for their ongoing work, and for the “reminder that these remarkable contributions don’t come with an expiration date.”
“The individuals honoured through this program are proof that passion, purpose and drive don’t slow down after seven if anything, they seem to deepen.”
