Nova Scotians are being honoured for their leadership, volunteerism, and service work, to make life better for seniors and their families.

Premier Darrell Dexter presented the Intergenerational Awards and the Remarkable Seniors Awards today, June 8, during the 50+ Expo.

"Fostering respect and caring across the generations strengthens our families, our communities, and our workplaces," said Premier Dexter. "I congratulate and thank each recipient for helping our young people and older Nova Scotians learn from, have fun with, and inspire each other."

The Intergenerational Award recognizes outstanding seniors, youth and volunteer groups for outstanding efforts that inspire interaction between younger and older Nova Scotians.

Falmouth District School received the Outstanding Volunteer Service Award for Community Groups for establishing the Grand Friend program. The program brings the school's students together with older people during classroom visits.

"Over the past seven years, we've been working hard to make connections with senior citizens in our school community," said Karen Wallace, principal of Falmouth District School. "A particular favourite for young and old alike is the Grand Friend Tea Party, which invites seniors into the classroom for tea, milk, and cookies, and a chance to share stories about school with little ones."

Kayla Mallery of Halifax received the Outstanding Volunteer Service Award for Younger Nova Scotians. Ms. Mallery established the Happily Ever Active program, which trains young Nova Scotians to help seniors with physical, mental, social and financial limitations.

Don and Mary MacMillan of Dartmouth received the Outstanding Volunteer Service Award for Older Nova Scotians for mentoring generations of youth involved in scouting. The MacMillans have been active in Scouts Canada since 1958.

Premier Dexter also presented Remarkable Seniors Awards to six Nova Scotians who are making their communities better places through leadership, volunteerism, and service work.

The recipients were:

David Cleaver, Barrington, Shelburne Co.

Marion Dotten, Pugwash, Cumberland Co.

Pauline Wadden, Catalone, Cape Breton Co.

Phillip Smith, Lower Sackville, Halifax Co.

Robert Goyetche, Louisdale, Richmond Co.

Sally Anne Mombourquette, Lower L'Ardoise, Richmond Co.

"I've been a volunteer for many years," said Mr. Cleaver. "My experience helping seniors stay active and involved in their communities has been valuable and rewarding. I get personal satisfaction trying to do my best for them. I believe communities need to look after their seniors because they play important, meaningful roles in society."

"Our seniors have a lot to offer their communities and each other," said Denise Peterson-Rafuse, minister of Seniors. "Each of these recipients is remarkable because they are committed volunteers. For years, they've focused on helping seniors live independently, contribute to their communities, and stay in their homes longer."

The province continues to make life better and more affordable for seniors and their families by supporting seniors' efforts to live independently while working collaboratively with communities to create places where Nova Scotians can live and age well.