Sechelt Mayor and Council:
I wish to extend heartfelt gratitude for your decision to proclaim July 9, 2016 Emilie Shaw Day in Sechelt, in honour of my mom’s 107th birthday. She is indeed the Amazing Emilie, deserving to be honoured in every way possible. However, you went above and beyond the call of duty.
What you did epitomizes the true “small town” caring and positive spirit that is so rare in today’s crazy world. Emilie was overwhelmed and thrilled, as are all her family, friends and fans throughout Canada, Australia and, in fact, different corners of the world. With the help of Facebook, recognition of your kindness has extended globally.
Special credit goes to Coun. Alice Lutes for her part in bringing Mom’s upcoming birthday to your attention. True to a caring small town, Rose at the lottery booth told Coun. Lutes, who met Mom in her wheelchair at the Claytons deli, on Mom’s first trip to the mall in nearly five years. And it grew from there.
Without the genuine kindness of John Gleeson, editor of Coast Reporter, few people would have known about this special and first-time event. I cannot credit John enough for his time and interest in publicizing Mom’s special day in last Friday’s editorial.
This is a special honour that Mom, our family and friends will never forget. Your kind action is priceless, and the memories beautiful and always in our hearts.
Who knows, perhaps we may well ask council for a repeat proclamation of Emilie Shaw Day on July 9, 2017.
Frances McGuckin, Abbotsford
