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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, October 9, 2015 | 4 Shirley Walmsley recognized for a lifetime of dedication by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff Shirley Walmsley has spent most of her life helping others. She's contributed 5,000 hours of her time over 60 years volunteering at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital (OTMH) -- and at 86, she shows no signs of slowing down. For her commitment and dedication to the community, Walmsley, a long-time Oakville resident, was honoured with the Ontario Senior of the Year Award last Friday (Oct. 2) at Town Hall. The provincial award was presented by members of Town Council and Ontario Labour Minister and Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn. It recognizes an outstanding local Ontarian who, after the age of 65, has enriched the social, cultural or civic life of his or her community. A leading example Ward 1 Oakville Councillor Sean O'Meara told the Oakville Beaver the Town nominated Walmsley because she is a leading example of residents who have made such an impact on the community. "It's a small way, but a very significant way, to recognize a lifelong contribution to volunteering at our hospital and Shirley is a beacon to everyone in the community," he said. "It's our hope that maybe some other people will see this and begin their own 60-year journey of volunteering." Walmsley a fixture in the community Flynn said he can't think of anyone more deserving of the award than Walmsley, who has been a "fixture in the community." "She's the type of person this award was made for," he said, noting how Walmsley has a genuine love for helping others. "It's just part of her life, it's a natural thing that she does." Longest-serving volunteer at OTMH Walmsley is the longest-serving volunteer at the local hospital. She began volunteering with the OTMH Women's Auxiliary, now known as Oakville Hospital Volunteer Association, in 1955 -- five years after the opening of the Reynolds Street hospital. A few months ago, she was honoured with a 60-year service pin at the Oakville Hospital Volunteer Association's annual general meeting, and earlier in the spring she received a Leading Women Building Communities Recognition Award from Flynn. Despite having some health challenges, she continues to be actively involved in the choir at Walton Memorial United Church, as leader of the United Church Women and as a volunteer at the hospital. "I think it's so rewarding," said Walmsley, who has been battling ovarian cancer over the last two years. "I feel like I'm doing what I should in life. I love people so much, I love talking to people and I really enjoy volunteering," she said. Walmsley added she's honoured for the recognition of her volunteer efforts and wishes she could share the moment with her husband, who died last year. "The last day I work at the old hospital is going to be very sad because my husband was a medical doctor, a general practitioner there and he also volunteered for 12 years there before he passed away," she noted. Long-time Oakville resident Shirley Walmsley was presented with the Ontario Senior of the Year Award Friday (Oct. 2) in recognition of the more than 60 years of volunteering she has done at the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. | photo by Riziero Vertolli ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_ photog or facebook.com/HaltonPhotog) WE MAKE CUSTOM FOOT ORTHOTICS! Chiropodist - Foot Specialist Call Today and book your `Complimentary'3D Foot Scan! Book online at: Schedulicity.com - Search `Atlantic Foot Care' or call (905) 483-2295. Book with Frank Keogh, D.CH. Oakville Injury & Pain Relief Center No Referral Necessary · 30 Years Experience All fees covered by most insurance plans. · Sport Orthotics · Golf · Diabetic · Dress Orthotics · Tennis · Orthopaedic Footwear · Hockey/Skate · Childrens · Compression Stockings NOW OPEN! Gourmet Vegan Grub Breakfast Lunch Dinner 2169 SIXTH LINE, UNIT 2 (NORTH OF UPPER MIDDLE ROAD) (905) 483-2295 | www.oakvilleinjuryandpainrelief.com DIAMOND 100% NATURAL INGREDIENTS M a D e to FRESH & MaDe DELICIOUS NaChoS FreSh orDer BURRITOS 289-837-0111 thehabanero.ca 2460 Neyagawa Blvd, Oakville, Unit 9 905-844-4888 Vegan · gluten Free · eatery Follow us: @vegebitez Contact: vbcareers@hotmail.com Located Across the Street from Sheridan College on Trafalgar Rd. 1289 Marlborough Court, oakville NOW HIRING