The 2010 VERA Award was award to Lyne England, Liz Underwood and Josephine Wingerter on October 1 at the Salvation Army Citadel during the International Day of the Older Person (IDOP) Lecture.

Lyne England

Volunteer Highlights:

Member of Regional Family Council and Chair for two years Director for Advocates for Care Reform, Vancouver Island, a Vancouver based organization that supports, assists and encourages the forma­tion of Family Councils. Chair of the Saanich Peninsula Health Association for two years Lends her support to the South Island Health Coalition, the Mental Health Association, and solicits funds for the Cancer Society Member of the Gordon Head Lions Club for the past six years including Chair for two years.

Nominated and Supported by:
Clara Halber, President Greater Victoria Seniors
Mrs. P. Johnson, Friend
G. Schellenberg, Friend
J. England, Friend and Husband
M. Degirolamo, Friend
A Drew, Friend K.Hamilton, Co-President ACR
C. Hall, Friend

“As a valued volunteer participant in the Seniors Entitlement Service and an advocate for seniors seeking assis­tance in serious social, housing, legal and health matters, she has filled this position not only with vigour and dedication but with passion as well.” - Supporter

“As the founder of the B.C. Family Council much of her endeavour touches on a range of related topics in her work as an advocate.” - Supporter

Liz Underwood

Volunteer Highlights:

1985 - 1995 Youth Lacrosse teams
2004 - Present Girls’ Groups at Tsawout
2010 - Ongoing World Wide Healing initiative

Nominated and Supported by:
Amber Ternus, Mental Health Counselor Tsawout Health Department
Glenda Mercer, Coordinator of Mental Health Services, Tsawout Health Department
Jennifer Claxton, Friend
Shauna Williams, Friend
Roberta Pelhey, Friend
Richard Veerapon, Health Director, Tsawout Health Department
Tabita Marles, Head Start Coordinator

“Liz has led the successful fundraising of the $16,000 needed to take nine elders to the World Wide Healing initiative this Sep­tember in Hawaii.” -Supporter

“Liz has mentored girls from three to twelve years old, teaching them respect for elders and for each other as well as craft skills.” - Supporter

“Liz is considered by her community to be a spirit guide with “healing hands”.” - Supporter

Josephine Wingerter

Volunteer Highlights:

1959 - 1971 CubScouts and Girl Guides in Alberta
1972 - 1982 WOmen's group at St. Elizabeth
1979 - 1999 Volunteers with Saint Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop
1985 - Present Charter Member of Catholic Women's League

Nominated and Supported by:
Josephine Higgins, Store Manager St. Vincent de Paul in Sidney
Vera Gear, Past President of St Vincent de Paul
Helene Dizy, Parish Friend at St. Elizabeth
Rosemary Fowler, Friend at “Friendly Hours Soup Kitchen”

“Josephine Wingerter started her volunteer work early with the Cub-Souts and Girl Guides in Medicine Hat. She and her husband became involved with the youth in the community. In 1972 she was a very active member of the Women’s Group at St. Elizabeth Church.  She became a part of the various activities and remains so.” - Supporter

“In 1985 she and two other ladies began the Soup Kitchen at St. Elizabeth Church for the poor in the area. The Soup Kitchen soon became “Friendly Hours” which added a social aspect. It now attracts 50 to 60 who come for a nourishing lunch.” - Supporter

“Josephine co-ordinated the weekly visits where members of the Parish visit Parishioners who are in Hospital and Care Homes.”
- Supporter

“Josephine Wingerber has shown by her example how a life lived with a desire unselfishly to help others does make a dif­ference to many.” - Supporter