Arlene Brown has been a resident of Extendicare in Port Hope since 2017.
Despite multiple health challenges she has not only been resilient, but has helped to improve life for everyone living and working at the facility. Her leadership as the President of the Resident’s Council made several improvements possible including an employee moral program, better meals for residents, improvements to roads and sidewalks to allow residents the opportunity to get outside safely as well as creating an empathy training program for staff.
We caught up with Arlene on the anniversary of the facility’s 20th year of operations.
She told us about the three special ladies who nominated her, Celia McBride, Oliana Algera and Yvonne Gadaur.
Arlene told us about her special day the week before when she and 19 other award winners met with the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario for a presentation ceremony at Queen’s Park in Toronto.
Brown told us that hearing the stories of the other 19 recipients was very moving.
Facing Multiple Sclerosis, flaccid quadriplegia and epilepsy, Arlene is consistently resilient and has helped make Extendicare Port Hope a better place for those who live and work there.
Recipients of the Ontario Senior Achievement Award help to improve the lives of Ontarians of all ages through community service and humanitarian activities. The 2023 recipients were recognized for their volunteerism, charitable fundraising, advocacy work, and more.
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all the Senior Achievement Award recipients,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “I am inspired by your dedication in helping seniors across our province. On behalf of all Ontarians, thank you for your commitment and exceptional service.”
(Written by Joseph Goden)
