Benita Galandy celebrates after receiving 2021 Minister’s Seniors Service Award. Photo Credit: Benita Galandy

By Shane Clausing

Minister’s Seniors Service Award

Grande Prairie’s Benita Galandy presented 2021 Minister’s Seniors Service Award

Oct 21, 2021 | 5:38 PM

Grande Prairie’s Benita Galandy has been named one of three recipients in the individual category for the 2021 Minister’s Seniors Service Award.

The Minister’s Seniors Service Awards honour Albertans who improve the lives of seniors and their communities through outstanding service.

The province says these dedicated individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations use their time and talents to provide services to seniors, help them stay connected and advocate for their well-being.

Galandy was nominated for the award by a board member for the Elders Caring Shelter, which is a shelter in Grande Prairie for street-engaged individuals over the age of 55.

Galandy, who has worked at the Elders Caring Shelter for the last 15 years, says one of the reasons she believes she was nominated for the award was because of her work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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“I was surprised I got selected,” she said. “I did work during the COVID for 445 days (consecutively), just staying in (the shelter) with the elders because we weren’t able to have staff in there.”

“I moved right in with them because we couldn’t send the staff in when (COVID) first happened… During that time, we all did end up getting COVID. We got through that, and I stayed in there with them until we were sure they were safe.”

Galandy says out of all the people at the shelter, she was one of the only staff members who could actually commit that much time to looking after the elders.

“I didn’t have small children at home, I was all by myself anyway so I said I’ll move in and we’ll get through this.”

In addition to her time spent helping seniors, she prepares meals, cleans and maintains the facility, and provided additional help, such as transportation to medical appointments and delivering essentials.

She also developed a framework to address social isolation and ensure seniors in the community have access to the supports they need.

For her work, Galandy received a trophy and a certificate from the Government of Alberta. Her peers also threw a pizza party to thank her for her work.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney thanked everyone who won an award for their work and dedication in the province.

“This outstanding group of Albertans has gone above and beyond during these difficult times to step up and make a difference in seniors’ lives,” Kenney said.

Details about each recipient can be found on the province’s website.