‘We want to give back’: Calgary seniors honoured at Top 7 Over 70 awards ceremony
Posted Sep 18, 2025 5:41 pm.
Last Updated Sep 18, 2025 7:35 pm.
Calgarians who continue to make meaningful contributions well into their later years were celebrated Thursday at Heritage Park during the city’s fifth Top 7 Over 70 awards ceremony.
The program, started in 2017, recognizes seven individuals over the age of 70 who are actively shaping their communities through new ventures, volunteerism, and advocacy.
In addition to them was Lois Mitchell, 86, former Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, who received the Special Achievement Award for her ongoing dedication to public service.
“We want to give back,” Mitchell said. “We want to be able to show people that there is so much to be done if you’re willing to be unselfish and not put yourself first.”
Honouree, Gerry Darichuk, 78, was recognized for his work supporting Ukrainian refugees arriving in Canada. His efforts reflect a broader message shared by all recipients: that age is not a barrier to making a difference.
“I think we focus so much on the negative,” Darichuk said. “Not to pay some attention to the thousands of little bright lights out there… There were a few people in my life who helped turn on the power.”
Other award winners include:
- Ron Freckleton, 92, an advocate who has launched fundraisers in support of dementia and Alzheimer’s
- Neil Webber, 89, an educator and founder of Webber Academy, a university preparatory school in SW Calgary
- Esmail Bharwani, 84, a philanthropist who has helped hundreds of students with post-secondary scholarships
- Marvin Fritzler, 81, a medical researcher who has led key studies into autoimmune diseases
- Alf Fischer, 78, a local sports and community development figure who found companies commercializing the use of bitumen
- Jackie Bromley, 74, an Indigenous elder from the Kainai Blood Tribe and advocate for Indigenous communities, specifically seniors and women
“The more one can smile, the more we can be positive, the more we can be grateful for, we’re going to be able to give back,” Mitchell says.
