A longstanding volunteer and community member was given a special send off from highly-appreciative residents of Inuvik.
Margaret Miller has lived in Inuvik for 26 years, having fallen in love with the community and staying well after retirement.
At 84, she is exceeding well-travelled and still very feisty SA国际影视传媒� keeping her wits sharp as a tack through nearly three decades of volunteering in the community, on top of the many years volunteering with local non-profits before her retirement.
"Help out as many organizations as possible, they need volunteers. They need the help," she said as she cut her farewell cake for her friends. "It never hurts to find a place you like and volunteer for it.
"There is always something to do. I don't think anything gets done without volunteers. You can't afford to pay for a lot of help, so they rely on volunteers to run things. Things aren't going to get done without volunteers, they are the backbone."
She should know. Through her volunteering, Miller has been a pillar of the community as long as anyone can remember SA国际影视传媒� from a decade serving on the board with the Great Northern Arts Festival to years of running fundraising bingos for multiple organizations. She was a founding member of the Inuvik Food Bank in 2005 and volunteered there as well. She has also been a reliable source of assistance for Arctic Paws since 2013, helping bring veterinary services for the furry residents of Inuvik.
She was presented the Queen's Jubilee Medal in 2013 and was the second recipient of the Town of Inuvik's Bill Mero Award in 2020.
"Not much happens in our community without volunteers," said Inuvik Boot Lake MLA Denny Rodgers, who stopped by to give his best wishes.
However, all good things must come to an end and Miller is moving back south to be closer to her family.
Fellow residents expressed their gratitude to Miller for her years of service in a farewell send off on Sept. 6 with a cake, coffee and cheers.
"The Town of Inuvik wishes to thank you for your many years of service to the town and its residents," said Inuvik Mayor Clarence Wood in a speech. "Many hours of selflessly donating your time have demonstrated your commitment and love for the many residents of Inuvik.
"Your caring spirit, pleasant personality and dedication will be missed and not easily replaced. I personally, and on behalf of Inuvik, send you our best wishes going forward.
"You're one of a kind."
