Lee honoured as Milton's Senior of the Year

An overjoyed and emotional Len Lee accepted the Senior of the Year award last week as the Town paid tribute to the longtime volunteer and organizer of Milton’s Good Neighbours Community Day.

“Len and other dedicated volunteers like him help make Milton the best community in which to live, work and play, “ said Mayor Gord Krantz.

Lee has chaired the community clean-up day for the past 22 years, which sees volunteers assist seniors with spring-cleaning tasks. Other residents also spend part of the day clearing garbage from parks and waterways in Milton.

“Len is instrumental in organizing the many volunteers, serving locations in need of cleanup and securing sponsorship support,” Community Services Director Jennifer Reynolds said about the day that occurs the first Saturday in May — around Lee’s birthday.

Lee has chaired Community Living North Halton’s annual charity bonspiel for the past four years and is a member of the Rotary Club of Milton as well as the Milton Horticultural Society.

Lee also helps to maintain gardens at Town Hall and the Milton Seniors’ Activity Centre, and has been a board member for the Milton District Hospital Foundation and the ‘Golfing 4 Cancer’ committee.

In accepting the award, wife Mary Ellen Lee read remarks on Len’s behalf as family and friends joined them at the front of the council chambers.

Mary Ellen thanked those Lee had worked with over the years for their time and unwavering support.

“No one person can get this honour,” she said, commending all those who had helped along the way.

She said Lee had a great appreciation to be named beside past award winner.

Her and Lee share a love of Milton and “that’s why we get involved," she said.

Lee was presented with a framed certificate from the Ontario government and another from the Town. He also received a lifetime transit pass from Milton Transit.

Counting gardening and the environment among Lee’s passions, Mary Ellen said they enjoyed working to improve the community.

“We have a love of roses, that’s why we look after the Town rose garden and the seniors’ centre rose garden and that Town staff gives us assistance to keep Milton clean,” Mary Ellen said.

Community Services Director Jennifer Reynolds said Lee’s dedication to Milton was evident in the support received for his nomination.

“It’s very apparent from all the letters received supporting Len’s nomination, he’s a very deserving recipient of this award,” Reynolds said. “His leadership, dedication, commitment and enthusiasm are inspirational.”