Helen Sidney’s first visit to Vernon council chambers was a memorable one.
As she stood before a capacity crowd Tuesday, the 93-year-old received a special honour and a standing ovation for collecting trash along Bella Vista Road for decades.
“This is something I will remember for the rest of my life,” she said.
“I am on cloud nine.”
As a teacher for 42 years in Armstrong, Sidney ensured her students knew the importance of not littering and making the community a better place.
“I love keeping things clean,” she said.
“I can’t step over anything and not pick it up.”
Coun. Juliette Cunningham had encouraged the city to formally recognize Sidney for her volunteer efforts.
“What Helen does along Bella Vista road is a great example of what citizenship means,” said Cunningham.
“She works hard to make Vernon a better place without expecting anything in return. If she can do all of this at the age of 93, there isn’t much excuse for many of us to look how we can make our community better.”
Mayor Akbal Mund told Sidney that her efforts have not gone unnoticed.
“You are a great example and an inspiration for us to follow and do what we can to keep our beautiful little city the jewel that it is. Vernon is indeed fortunate to have a citizen like you,” he said.”