Activity coordinator who enriches seniors’ lives named Co-op Community Champion for April

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A Fort St. John volunteer who works tirelessly to enrich seniors’ lives has been named April’s Co-op Community Champion.

Merrill Young, who moved from Tomslake to Fort St. John about 35 years ago, has been volunteering with the North Peace Seniors Housing Society (NPSHS) since 2016, including helping at events such as pancake breakfasts and potluck dinners.  

In February 2024, Young and her partner Byron Godberson – who she met through NPSHS – officially became activity coordinators for the non-profit organization. 

“The last year has been very rewarding,” Young said. “It’s come with challenges, definitely, but overall we have seen a huge impact in the lives of the seniors.”

In her role over the past year, Young has dressed up as characters including the Easter Bunny and a Valentine’s Day love bug, and delivered flowers to all the women living in the NPSHS complex for Mother’s Day. 

Young and Godberson have also introduced regular movie and history nights for the residents. 

“There are times where society just likes to tuck away our seniors and put them behind this wall…and we tend to forget that they are part of society still,” Young said. “They’re still contributing and I feel that it’s important to just be beside them and help them and bring joy to their lives.”

Before retiring and volunteering with NPSHS, Young worked in various industries: she was an entrepreneur who set up a baking business called MY Little Kitchen; she spent 18 years working in real estate around Fort St. John; and she ran a licensed daycare in her home when her son was a child. 

Godberson praised Young’s dedication: “Merrill is back and forth over to the complex, sometimes three to four times a day. 

“Some of those stays might be as little as 10 minutes, but some of them are well over four to five hours.”

Young’s nomination for Co-op Community Champion read: “Her unwavering commitment has brought immeasurable joy and comfort to those she serves, embodying the true spirit of selflessness and community support.

“Merrill’s dedication not only uplifts the lives of our seniors but also inspires those around her to embrace the values of generosity and kindness.

“She represents the very best of what it means to give back to one’s community.”

NPSHS has helped older people in Fort St. John live independently since 1966.

It manages four buildings in the city, with 144 self-contained units offering a mix of apartments for seniors to either be fully independent or receive some daily meals.

Congratulations to Young for being named April’s Co-op Community Champion. Each month, the winner is featured on Energeticcity.ca and receives up to $100 in vouchers from the Co-op. 

Anyone looking to nominate a community-minded person who deserves recognition can go to Energeticcity.ca.