A man from Okotoks has been recognized by the Albertan government for his volunteer work.

Darrell Wood was one of nine recipients of the 2019 Minister's Seniors Service Awards. The award recognizes those who dedicate themselves to improve the lives of seniors in Alberta.

Wood was a pastor who left his work as a vocational minister 14 years ago. A few years later he was approached to begin volunteering with seniors.

At first, he volunteered to scoop ice cream. But that gradually changed the longer he volunteered. Now, he acts as a pastor at all three assisted living facilities in Okotoks.

"My view is that we're all the same, and we don't come into it in a religious or dogmatic way," Wood said. "It's building relationships."

Due to his experience as a minister, Wood is able to conduct services, funerals, and provide spiritual guidance for those he works with.

He says the approach that makes him successful in his role is just to be open to everyone.

"It doesn't matter to me what faith background, if any, people have," he said. "Everybody has a story, and we believe so strongly god loves everyone just the way they are."

Wood works with approximately 25 volunteers who do anything from scoop ice cream, to one on one visits with the residents of the assisted living homes.

"I found a real good connection with the seniors, and found many of them were lonely," Woods said.

He encourages anyone who would like to volunteer to contact the recreation therapy department at Sandstone Lodge, Tudor Manor, or Heartland here in Okotoks.

His description of the volunteerism makes it seem very fulfilling

"When you show people genuine kindness and love, you always get a response," he said.

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