George Van Ankum recognized as Mapleton Senior of the Year

Drayton resident George Van Ankum has been recognized as the township’s Senior of the Year. He was presented with a certificate of recognition and a township pin at the May 23 council meeting.

Mayor Neil Driscoll called Van Ankum “a very special individual in our community” and noted that both George and his wife Alice “contributed immensely” to the Canadian Diabetes Society. The Van Ankums have been active in the society since the early 1970s, when George was diagnosed with diabetes.

“Initially they travelled to meetings in Guelph, but when the North Perth North Wellington branch was established in 1976 he began volunteering in this area,” explained Driscoll.

He said Van Ankum served 12 years as president of the local branch and “was one of the most dedicated canvassers in this area, covering a substantial distance each year to collect funds.”

When the branch closed in February Van Ankum had been a volunteer for 40 years.