Vol. 11, No. 30 Wednesday, July 29, 1981 24 Pa, LaHaye named The man seen above looks happy about being thrown from "Rocky - The Mechanical Bull" at last Saturday's downtown mail. The mail - sponsored by the Whitby Central Business District Improvement Area Board - at- tracted large crowds cf people who not only tock advantage of the bargains at the sidewalk sale but were entertained as well. -Below left, is one of the clowns that were on hand to amuse the children. At the right, another youngster takes a ride on the ponies. The mail had a western theme and included such events as a best legs in western boots con- test and a best costume (western outf it) contest. Whitby Free Press publisher Michael Burgess, chairman cf the downtown board, said that he was- more .than pleased with the outcome of the mail and that plans are already being made for next year's event. -Free Press Photos by MichaeCBurgess p qz 4. Peter Perry for 1981 For the last 30 years this man has given of his time, his love, his understanding and his com- passion to practically every kid in the Town of Whitby. Not only has he been a moving force behind many minor sports organizations and the boy scouts but he and his wife have also cared for over 40 foster cbildren as well as caring for their six children - five of whom-they adopted. His dedication and concern for these children prompted the Whitby Chamber of Commerce to name Benoit LaHaye as the 1981 recipient of the Peter Perry Award. The chamber, gives the award, named for the man accredited with founding the Town of Whitby, to the outstanding citizen of the year. LaHaye's award has brought acclaim and-ap- plause from almost every corner of the town. He is affectionately known as "Uncle Benny" and in bis own words has "gone through every kid in Whitby." Perhaps his most notable accomplishment was when he led a 17-day, 475-mile canoe trip of 21 Ven- turers, aged 14 and up from Whitby to Montreal, the site of Expo '67 during Canada's Centennial year. During that trip, he stopped at Longueuil, Quebec and met with that community's mayor of the time, Marcel'Robidas. That meeting has led to the suc- cessful twinning association between Longueuil and Whitby. These twinning visits have been held every year since then and LaHaye has been active in it since the beginning. When Grace Pritchard, wife of the late Judge John E. Pritchard who first suggested the award, a nnounced the name of the 2lst winner of the Peter Perry Award, the audience jumped to its feet and gave a warm ovation to LaHaye. In accepting the award, LaHaye said that winning the award was "the cat's meow. 1 As he stood at the podium, tears came to his eyes and he was at a loas for words. However, he overcame his surprise and told the audience that it was the "greatest moment in his life." In an interview at his home the following day, LaHaye reflected on the previous evening's festivities. The 55-year-old employee of General Motors said that he was on "pins and needies" awaiting for the winner to be announced. In a break from tradition, the chamber announ- ced the four finalists for the award. Other than Lalaye, the finalists were Henry Perry, Joyce Cox and Bonnie Berry. "I feel pretty good about this," LaHaye said. "This is the biggest payday 1 ever had. " When asked how he feit about receiving the award, LaHaye said, "I can't explain it. " "If l've done anything to help anyone. ..l'm hap- He also has rnany good things to say about the town he has made bis home since 1950. "I like Whitby," LaHaye says. "I think Whitby is a good town for kids. " And wha t of the future. Well, LaHaye is thinking about retiring next year but not to take life at a slower pace. Benny and bis wife, Evelyn, have expressed a desire to work with underprivileged kids. It seems that they have spent their entire lives working and helping kids and they have no reason to stop now. And that's why LaHave was named Peter Perry r- Weste'rn ýDay fuin jEý S) '-R E "E q2.