Longtime volunteer Alice Van Ankum has been recognized with a Diamond Jubilee Medal for more than 35 years of service to the Canadian Diabetes Society (CDA).
The Drayton resident has been volunteering with the North Perth-North Wellington CDA chapter since it’s inception about 37 years ago, along with her husband George Van Ankum and Irma Ternan of Harriston, said CDA regional director Kerry Bruder, who presented the medal to Van Ankum at the local chapter’s annual general meeting on April 4.
Van Ankum said she originally got involved with the society in support of her husband, who has now been living with diabetes for more than 50 years. George was diagnosed with the condition at the age of 22, not long after the couple was married.
Over the years she has taken on numerous roles with the society, including acting as membership convenor and co-chairing fundraising campaigns. Still, the recognition was not something she was anticipating.
Noting she was honoured to receive the medal, Van Ankum said, “I was very surprised when I got the letter.”
Across Canada, 30 CDA volunteers were recognized with Diamond Jubilee Medals for their work with the organization.
“These medal recipients demonstrate a true dedication to making a difference in the lives of the more than nine million Canadians who live with diabetes or prediabetes,” stated Doug Macnamara, President and CEO of the CDA.
The Diamond Jubilee Medal Program was created by the federal government to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. The medals were manufactured by the Royal Canadian Mint.
