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Sylvia Gent was recently honoured with the first-ever Robert McMullen Award for Lifetime Volunteering Excellence. (Submitted photo/Sylvia Gent)

P.A. resident honoured with award

Jun 23, 2019 | 11:14 AM

A Prince Albert resident has been recognized for her outstanding work in the community and years of volunteer service.

Sylvia Gent was recently honoured with the Robert McMullen Award for Lifetime Volunteering Excellence, which was presented by Abbeyfield Canada.

Gent was instrumental in the introduction and coordination of the Abbeyfield housing concept in Prince Albert. The Abbeyfield model is a form of seniors’ residences which all have a home-like atmosphere, designed to make residents feel more at home in their surroundings.

“Abbeyfield is just a really good concept of living for seniors who want a bit of support and a life with socialization,” Gent said.

“It means a lot to me to receive this award because it was created in honour of Robert McMullen … he brought over the concept of Abbeyfield from London, England living to Canada. I got to know him very well … he gave us a lot of support while we established in Prince Albert.”

In 2004, Gent accepted the invitation by McMullen to assume the role as a national board member. She continued in that capacity until 2009.

Abbeyfield has maintained a minimum of fourteen residents since its opening in Prince Albert, an idea Gent was the main proponent of, which has allowed for the business to become mortgage free.

panews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow

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