The Maple Ridge Community Foundation’s 2013 Citizen of the Year is a woman whose volunteer community service goes back decades.
Sammy Nelligan was honoured at the annual banquet last night at the Meadow Gardens Golf Course.
“In many respects, the Foundation’s Citizen of the Year Award is in reality a lifetime achievement award,” Debbie McRae, chair of the Citizen of the Year Selection Committee, said in handing out the award.
“The successful candidate will invariably have dedicated many years to many causes in our community in order to be the successful candidate. This year’s candidate is no exception.”
Nelligan was a Grade 2 and 3 teacher at Pitt Meadows elementary, and her impressive community involvement began when she started a family.
She has been married for 54 years to husband Reg, who was a previous Citizen of the Year recipient.
They have raised five children together, and are grandparents of 12.
Nelligan has been a member of St. Luke’s Parish for 50 years.
She taught and coordinated the children’s Religious Education Program for 25 years.
She also played the organ at church services for two decades, and was the St. Luke’s office manager for 25 years.
She still serves on the Parish Finance Advisory Council, and holds the position of Parish Resource Coordinator.
Nelligan was also president of the Catholic Women’s League, and is the chair of the Community Life Committee.
This volunteer’s impressive work for her church is only part of her volunteerism.
She also works with the Cythera House Society, and began the Change for Change fundraising campaign, which helps buy school supplies for the children at the facility for battered women.
Nelligan also launched the Mother’s Day collection for baby clothes and supplies to support the WomanCare program.
Other noteworthy works:
• organizer of the World Day of Prayer in Maple Ridge;
• curling league organizer;
• lawn bowling club member;
• chair of the Maple Ridge Festival of Light Society;
• secretary of the Community Festivals Network.
McRae said that even for people who regularly volunteer, looking at the amount of public service this year’s winner has given, and the length of time she has served, is a humbling experience.
“She really stands out,” said McRae.
The annual Citizen of the Year Award recognizes “a dedicated individual who has made outstanding volunteer contributions to enhance the quality of life for citizens of Maple Ridge and/or to enhance the image of Maple Ridge in the larger community.”