2023 Seniors Leadership Award: Recognizing local leaders

In 2001, the Simon Fraser University Gerontology Research Centre (GRC) established the Seniors Leadership Award to recognize the contributions that British Columbian seniors make as volunteers.

This year’s recipients are more than just volunteers, their dedication to advocacy and improving the lives of seniors is unwavering and does not go unnoticed. The GRC is honoured to recognize the incredible work of this year’s 2023 Seniors Leadership Award recipients: Sandra Gebhardt, Audrey Hatch, Kathleen Jamieson, Penny MacCourt, and Marion Leslie Pollack.

Learn more about the recipients below.

Sandra Gebhardt

Sandra Gebhardt is the Chair of the City of Richmond Seniors Advisory Committee (RSAC). Having been involved with the City of Richmond since 2017, Gebhardt continues to contribute to her local community through her voluntary work. As the former Executive Director at the 411 Seniors Centre Society, Gebhardt supported the creation of an alliance of seniors’ centres in Vancouver. In her previous roles, Gebhardt served on the Board of Directors of the Thompson Community Centre Association and the Richmond Addiction Services Society.

In addition to these roles, Gebhardt is also on the Board of Directors for the Richmond Centre for Disability and has also recently been appointed to the Council of Advisors of the BC Seniors Advocate.

Audrey Hatch

Audrey Hatch is a dedicated lifetime senior volunteer in the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows communities. Her volunteering journey began in the late 1990’s with the Elderly Citizens Recreation Association (ECRA), later becoming Ridge Meadows Seniors Society (RMSS), where she played a vital role in marketing the Seniors Activity Centre and producing the Grapevine newsletter for 19 years. She was also a major contributor to the Society’s history book "Celebrating Seniors".

At 91 years old, Hatch is an active member of the Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, and Katzie Seniors Network, holding a seat on the Board of Directors and contributing to the Dementia-Friendly Communities Task Group, focusing on inclusion and stigma reduction for people living with dementia. Her tireless efforts include involvement in literature reviews, focus groups, surveys, walkability studies, public education workshops, and fundraisers for the Alzheimer Society of B.C. She has also served on the fundraising committee for the Haney Farmers Market Food Coupon Program which helps ensure access to nutritious food for low-income older adults.

Kathleen Jamieson

Kathleen Jamieson, a dedicated advocate for public health care, served on the Council of Senior Citizen Organizations of BC (COSCO BC) Board of Directors and as Chair of COSCO’s Health Committee. Her extensive involvement includes leadership roles in the National Pensioners’ Federation, the BC Health Coalition, and the Action for Reform of Residential Care (ARRC) Steering Committee.

With a background in sociology and anthropology, her commitment to addressing issues of equity and discrimination is rooted in her volunteer work in southern Chile in the 1970s. Jamieson’s goal is to support the human rights of marginalized communities in Canadian society.

Penny MacCourt

Penny MacCourt is the Founder and Chairperson of the Action for Reform of Residential Care B.C. (AARCBC). MacCourt, a distinguished social work professional, has dedicated over thirty years to advancing the fields of aging, mental health, and service delivery. Holding degrees from the University of Manitoba and a PhD from the University of Victoria, her extensive experience as a social worker and mental health consultant includes national projects on social isolation, mental health in older adults, and family caregiver needs.

MacCourt's pivotal role in founding the advocacy group “ARRC" in 2020, underscores her commitment to systemic reform in long-term care, especially in the wake of COVID-19 challenges. With widespread support from organizations and individuals, MacCourt's advocacy efforts aim to influence positive change, as evidenced by regular meetings with government officials and a focus on improving the well-being of seniors, their families, and care staff.

Marion Leslie Pollack

Marion Leslie Pollack is the Past-President of the 411 Seniors Centre Society. Pollack has been a volunteer with the 411 Seniors Centre Society for many years and has dedicated her time and expertise in system navigation to connect older adults with the programs, services, and resources they require. As an advocate for affordable housing for seniors, Pollack has addressed issues such as accessibility, affordability, and suitability for aging in place.

Pollack previously worked at Canada Post and has served on the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, as an advocate for workers’ rights and social justice. In addition, Pollack has been a driving force for positive change through her advocacy work for gender equality and the advancement of women. Her commitment to social justice and the welfare of seniors reflects her passion for creating positive social change beyond her local community.

See the full list of previous Seniors Leadership Award recipients.