Westlock’s Gordon Thomas has been nominated for a 2012 Minister’s Seniors Service Award.
Thomas, who used to run the H&R Block in town for nearly 20 years, was recognized for his work with the Westlock FCSS’s Volunteer Income Tax Program.
Even though he said he’s received much recognition for his work over the years from many different organizations, this nomination caught him out of the blue when told about it.
“I didn’t even know I was nominated for it,” he said.
Still, it’s something he said is welcomed nonetheless.
“It makes you feel good that someone’s recognizing you anyway,” he said. “It’s nothing big to me.”
Thomas’ nomination comes in part from his opinion on the tax system, one that places him solidly in the minority of Canadians.
“I just love doing taxes,” he said. “That’s the reason I do it. The tougher it is, the better I like it. I save people money wherever I can.”
As the former owner of the H&R Block, that sentiment should probably come as no surprise.
In his years volunteering with the FCSS’s Volunteer Income Tax Program, Thomas has helped to complete more than 3,500 tax returns, according to the notice of his nomination.
Thomas himself said he figures he completed close to 600 returns this year alone. Beyond volunteering to do taxes, Thomas also spends time volunteering with the Senior’s Golden Age Drop-in Centre, where he is the treasurer.
All of this, he said, is to give him something to do.
“It keeps me busy,” he said. “When I’m not busy, I’m playing cards on the computer.”
Thomas is one of more than 75 individuals and organizations nominated for the award, which “recognizes the volunteer efforts of individual Albertans and organizations that make a difference in the lives of seniors.”
The nominations are based on the impact the nominees have on seniors and the community, how necessary the service is they provide, and how diverse and original that service is.
All award recipients will be honoured on June 6 at a special celebration marking Seniors’ Week.
