For the first time ever a couple, Brian and Victoria Chorley, have been selected as the 2021 Mayor’s Senior Volunteer Award winners. 

Get to know them better and understand what motivates them to make a difference in the community.

Q. What motivates you to continue to give back to the community?
A. Victoria said, “I am motivated to continue to give back to Whitby as I was born and raised here. My husband is a Toronto boy and I was so glad when we decided to settle in Whitby. We tried Toronto for a short while. My mother (Alice Evans) was born in Whitby, my dad (Brick Evans) had a business here for years, my Grandfather, Stuart Threadgold and his brother were builders in Whitby and there even is a street named after them.

Whitby has been good to me and my family for four generations (my son, Tom Chorley was also born and raised here). It is only fitting that I give back as much as I can as long as I am able.”

Q. What are some of the organizations you volunteer with in Whitby?
A. Victoria said, “The Alzheimer’s Society based in Whitby. In addition quite a few of my animal transports originate or end in Whitby.”

The couple has volunteered for more than 15 years to transport animals for Speaking of Dogs Rescue.

Q. What was your first reaction when you heard you were the 2021 Mayor’s Senior Volunteer Award winner?
A. Victoria said, “We were so pleased to have been chosen as the winners of the award. I felt so glad especially for Brian who lives with Lewy Body Dementia and is a real trooper when it comes to our volunteer work. He has travelled miles with a trembling little dog on his lap taking it to a better life. He even carried a Gecko to a safe home. For the Alzheimer’s Society, he has spoken to organizations about what it is like to live with a disability and helped to educate them as to what is needed to aid people with disabilities both physical and cognitive.”

Q. What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about volunteering?
A. Victoria said, “I would highly recommend volunteering to anyone who is considering doing so. There are so many organizations that need help in many different ways. Pick an organization you are familiar with and see if you can help.”

The Mayor’s Senior Volunteer Award recognizes Whitby residents age 55+ who have demonstrated outstanding and ongoing commitment to volunteerism in the community. To qualify, nominees must be a resident of Whitby, 55 years of age or older, and volunteer their time in any aspect of the community. Nominees are judged based on volunteering at multiple organizations, as well as the type of role and length of time they have spent volunteering.

The award is part of the Town’s commitment to building an active, engaged and connected community.

For more information about the award, visit whitby.ca/55plus.