People news: Alice Shiels just turned 91 years old and continues to be a real role model. Alice was married for nearly 56 years before her husband passed away. She worked as a seamstress out of her home while she raised their three children.
Alice is a 20 year member of the Prince George and District Senior Citizens Activity Centre on Fourth Avenue and Brunswick Street. She admits that she has slowed down a bit these past few years (don't forget she is 91 years old) but she still loves to be busy. In her day she helped out at the centre with the fundraising dinners, helped with the member bingo, joined the Tai Chi and exercise classes, and convened the bridge club, bazaars and the monthly birthday teas.
Alice said, "I used to sell raffle tickets, thousands of raffle tickets, for the various fund raisers at the centre. I walked all over town to sell those tickets and then my legs wore out. After that the Northern Hardware allowed me to have a table in their store. They used to call me the ticket lady." Alice laughed proudly as she recalled the time that one of her regulars missed her calling on them and they phoned the centre to see if she was ok.
Alice volunteered for years and in the past attended the centre almost every day. Now she says she only goes there three or four times a week to enjoy playing bridge, attend the birthday teas and look after the craft show case. Alice was keen to praise all the volunteers that knit and crochet all the items to keep the show case stocked for this fund raising activity. Longtime volunteers are Marie Harmon, Barbara Jarvis, Faye Meierhofer, Ann Fitzsimons, Nancy Tosoff, Dorothy Moser and Jean Nelson. Alice invites everyone to stop in at the centre at 425 Brunswick St. to see all the handmade items that they have for sale.
Alice said, "I would like to say a special thank you to all my good friends that help me stretch my Taxi Saver vouchers: You know who you are."
Note: A "Taxi Saver" provides a 50 per cent subsidy towards the cost of taxi rides. Eligible individuals can purchase an $80 package of Taxi Saver coupons at a cost of $40: Call City Hall at 250-561-7600 for more details.
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The Canfor coffee group toy makers have been making wooden toys for the needy since 1995 in the basement of the Hart Pioneer Centre. Once completed the toys are delivered mainly to the Salvation Army.
All materials are donated by various businesses in Prince George, with Canfor being their biggest provider. Work starts in full swing each September and ends in November after painting approximately 800 completed toys. Volunteers are needed for this project on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. If you would like to help please contact the Hart Pioneer Centre at 250-962-6712.
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