Ontario's Senior of the Year received recognition from her community.
The Township of Georgian Bluffs held an Award Ceremony this week in Celebration of Danuta Valleau.
The Senior of the Year Awards, presented annually by the Government of Ontario, acknowledge seniors who enrich the social, cultural, or civic life of the community.
"Valleau is known for her extensive volunteer work, particularly in climate action. She is a founding member of the Georgian Bluffs Climate Action Team and supports local environmental initiatives. Danuta is active in the Grey Bruce Climate Action Network and has facilitated a virtual climate book club. She has also chaired the Earth Day Event working group, volunteered at the Youth Climate Conference, and taught climate change classes to grade 10 students at Owen Sound District Secondary School," according to a statement from Georgian Bluffs. "Her volunteer efforts also extend to the Sydenham Bruce Trail, where she is a Trail Steward and leads hikes year-round, including snowshoeing excursions. At the Alzheimer's Society, she also facilitates a weekly group focused on physical and cognitive health."
“Thank you, Danuta, for your tireless efforts in promoting environmental stewardship, youth education, and community engagement,” said Mayor Sue Carleton. “This award serves as a token of appreciation for Ms. Valleau’s hard work and acknowledges her dedication to making the Township of Georgian Bluffs and the surrounding area a better place for all.”
In a recent interview with CKNXNewstoday.ca, Valleau explained a bit about herself.
"I was a physiotherapist and worked mainly in the hospital system, and I've been retired now for about six years, and I've always been very concerned about climate change, but increasingly, especially since we're now feeling the effects of it and seeing the effects of it," she continued.
Valleau pointed out climate change is a big concern for her, so she wanted to be part of the solution
"I've started becoming more involved with local grassroots groups in climate action to encourage our municipality, Georgian Bluffs, to take on some climate action planning," said Valleau. "We've been working with the township since 2019, and they have now got a Corporate Climate Action Plan that they're starting to build and implement. We are hoping also to get a community action plan that is also going to go with that and also adaptation."
Valleau stressed all of the members of the team deserve credit for helping to address global warming.
"I've been working in locally in my area, with large and growing group of people, a lot of them with amazing expertise, some of them scientists, some of them engineers, and some of them just good people," she added. "We've been working towards this for a while, so I guess I've been active."
Members of Georgian Bluffs Council, Senior Staff, representatives of local dignitaries, and friends and family of the recipient celebrated Valleau at the township office from 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Wednesday.
In 2023, Valleau was the recipient of the Lifetime Volunteer Award in Georgian Bluffs.
"Valleau's volunteerism spans various community programs. As a Trail Steward for the Sydenham Bruce Trail, she organizes hikes and snowshoe treks. Her involvement with the Climate Action Team, Earth Day events, and educating youth about climate change showcases her profound dedication to environmental stewardship. She also works with the Alzheimer’s Society, with a focus on physical and cognitive health. She has chosen to donate to the United Way of Bruce Grey," according to a statement from the municipality.