NEW GLASGOW – Len Thomas gets back, perhaps just as much as he gives.
“It’s always a joy to see results – it’s very rewarding,” said the Lyons Brook resident.
“When I was working I never really had the opportunity to volunteer, but since I retired it was time to give something back to the community.”
On May 30, Thomas was recognized with The Jack Pink United Way Volunteer Award, presented to a Pictou County resident to recognize their exceptional leadership, ongoing volunteer efforts, commitment to the community and the United Way of Pictou County.
Thomas) moved to Pictou County in 2008 after he retired from Office Interiors in Halifax.
“Since then, he has exemplified a person dedicated to making positive impacts in Pictou County,” said outgoing president Aaron Millen during the organization’s annual general meeting on May 30.
His volunteerism keeps him busy; from serving for seven years as an elder in the United Church of Lyons Brook, and six years as president of the New Horizons Senior Club in Pictou, Thomas has also been with serving for five years as a director of the Lyons Brook Community Hall for five years, and volunteers at the Aberdeen Hospital.
He cites The United Way’s involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters and Roots for Youth as local “success stories” that have received help from the Pictou County United Way.
“There’s disappointments, too,” he says. “You have to live with those, as well.”
Over the past 11 years, Thomas has also:
• Served as co-chair of Patient Family Public Advisory Council for Nova Scotia Health Authority for three years.
• Was patient family advisor for Interdisciplinary Quality Improvement Council - Nova Scotia Health Authority Northern Zone for two years.
• Served on the Student Advisory Council for West Pictou School for three years. • served on the Police Advisory Board of Pictou County for two years.
• He also still works part time with the RCMP in Pictou County. A huge animal lover, he has three dogs and two cats, and currently lives in Lyons Brook with his wife, Pat.
