- Dixie Peters receives her Senior of the Year Award from local MPP Rick Nicholls, left; local MP Dave Van Kesteren, second from left; and C-K Mayor Randy Hope, right.
Morpeth resident Dixie Peters was named 2014 Chatham-Kent Senior of the Year at the Chatham-Kent Senior Fair and Achievement Awards in Blenheim June 13.
June is Ontario Seniors’ Month and Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope and municipal council took the opportunity to recognize and honour outstanding senior volunteers who have achieved significant goals and made outstanding contributions to the citizens of Chatham-Kent.
In 2009, Peters founded the Blenheim and Area Bereavement Support Program (BABSP), which is also known as A Time To Mourn, according to a release. She started this program after another she volunteered for closed.
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Knowing the extensive need for bereavement support, Peters was determined to continue her role supporting the bereaved on their grief journey. She volunteers at BABSP as executive director, working several days a week, with one part time employee and many volunteers, and continues her one-on-one and group work with those needing her help. This organization is incorporated, has charitable status, and a board of directors that is composed of community members and former clients. There is no charge for any of its services.
The program exists on community support and on fundraising.
A Time to Mourn holds an annual candle lighting service every November, where around 150 former and current clients of the bereavement program honour their loved ones in a non-religious ceremony.
Peters starts with a 90-minute one-on-one session with individuals before they move on to the group workshop. Individuals needing her help refer to Dixie as an angel.
Chairperson of the event, Coun. Karen Herman, said, “It is a wonderful annual event and everyone has a good time. It was so touching to see Dixie Peters receive the Chatham-Kent Senior of the Year award. She has done so much to comfort people over the years. It is fitting that she be recognized by our entire community for all her compassionate care.”
