Fraser Ellis Wins Senior of the Year Award

Monday, June 02, 2014 - 1:45 PM
Fraser Ellis being presented with the 2014 Senior of the Year Award by Councillor Tom Hann as Deputy Mayor Ron Ellsworth looks on

The City of St. John’s is pleased to announce that Fraser Ellis is the winner of the 4th annual Senior of the Year Award.

The award, which is a partnership with Kenny’s Pond Retirement Community, honours a local senior who has made significant contributions to the City through service to the community or by improving the quality of life for citizens through community involvement.

Fraser Ellis was nominated for the award by former city councillor Sheilagh O’Leary for his 30-plus years of dedication to a wide variety of organizations. His volunteer efforts run the gamut from working as a volunteer driver for the Cancer Clinic to peeling potatoes at the Cochrane Street United Church and supporting Bridges to Hope, the Janeway and Turnings (an organization which supports local youth) through annual fundraising efforts. As a member of the Anchormen Chorus Barbershop group Mr. Ellis has also brought the gift of music to events, fundraisers and seniors for 40 years.

As noted in the nomination, “Fraser gives of himself to anyone who is in need, selflessly. Even at 84 years of age, he does more in a week than many do in a year. The world and our corner of it are so much better for his efforts.”

The award was developed by Councillor Tom Hann to recognize the hundreds of seniors who are actively contributing to our community on a daily basis.

“We present this award every year because the nominations we receive speak to how much seniors have to offer our city,” said Allan Miller, Chair of the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Seniors. “We are very proud to announce that Fraser Ellis is our winner. His commitment to the community is inspiring and I hope residents will look at all that he does and be inspired to give back themselves.”

“Mr. Ellis has devoted his life to supporting people in our community who are in need,” says Councillor at Large Tom Hann, Council representative on the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Seniors. “His noble efforts are often made quietly behind the scenes but we are very pleased to bring them to light. Just as Mr. Ellis shares his singing voice to countless fundraisers throughout the City we are thrilled to sing his praises today as we present him with the Senior of the Year award.”

The City is delighted that for the third year in a row, Kenny’s Pond Retirement Community has agreed to sponsor the award and we look forward to a continued relationship with them on the Senior of the Year Award program.

“It is a complete honour and a privilege to be affiliated with this prestigious award that recognizes the vibrant and active lives of seniors in our community,” said Michelle Collins, Marketing & Community Relations Manager at Kenny’s Pond Retirement Community. “Congratulations to Mr. Fraser Ellis on behalf of the residents, staff and management of Kenny’s Pond Retirement Community.”

Media Contact:

Jennifer Mills
Communications and Public Relations Officer
City of St. John's
Phone: (709) 570-2037
Cell: (709) 690-7586
E-mail:
jmills@stjohns.ca