She is a woman often found in the background.
Pick a community event in Taber, and it’s likely Lolly Turner had a hand in helping get it going.
For that reason, Taber’s Rick Hansen committee has selected Turner as the final medal bearer for the Feb. 18 stop of the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay.
“I think when they gave the criteria and they were looking for people that make a difference in the community, we put some names out there and discussed a number of people that have done some great things,” said Aline Holmen, the town’s leisure services manager. “Lolly’s name just kept coming up. She is a difference maker.”
The five-person committee let Turner in on the secret last October, and it was officially confirmed on Dec. 21, as the committee heard back from the Rick Hansen relay organizers that Turner’s nomination would stand.
“I just said, ‘Why me,’ ” said Turner about her initial reaction. “I do things because I want to — just because.”
Yvonne Dreaddy, one of the committee members, said Turner’s selection was deserving.
“For many activities I’ve been involved in, every time I seem to bump into this lady,” she said, and added many times, Turner is the one doing the behind-the-scenes work. “She’s always volunteering. She is someone you know you can call on and they will say yes.”
Dreaddy used the term “unsung hero” to describe Turner, as she added there are a lot of good people in town who give their time but this time around, Turner was the volunteer who stood out.
Turner added her volunteer contributions have ranged from the Southern Alberta Summer Games, fundraisers for relief efforts in Japan and Haiti and many events with the Lions Club, including the annual Dog Walk. She has also helped with the Children’s Wish Foundation, Meals on Wheels, the Taber Handi-bus Association, the Legion auxiliary, Taber Air Cadets and the Taber Hospital Foundation.
Her efforts have also extended to helping young people in the community, and one young person in particular has experienced that first hand. In 1986, Turner was approached by a local school to help a mother with her small child. The boy was three-and-a-half years old, did not speak well and was very timid.
“I took him first as a relief care for his mom, which he spent every weekend at my home,” said Turner, as she added it took some time for the youngster to get comfortable in her home and make some positive strides. “With a lot of patience, love, understanding and counselling, the child overcame a lot of obstacles.”
Turner, who officially adopted the boy when he was seven, and watched as he graduated from high school, and earned the principal’s award in the process, and then left Canada to teach English to children in Taiwan and China.
It is just one example of her volunteer spirit.
“I help where I can,” she said, as she mentioned she also volunteered for Taber’s Olympic torch relay and the annual Relay for Life.
Turner was also there 25 years ago when Rick Hansen originally came through town on his Man in Motion tour, when she help prepare the food for the event as part of the Lions Club. Now, it is Turner who will be part of the relay, as she will be the one honoured as the event winds through town.
“She gets to ride like a princess for the very last leg of the relay that goes through town,” said Holmen, who added a special mode of transportation has been arranged for Turner.
The final medal bearer will then be recognized on stage inside the Taber Community Centre.
“We will be celebrating her accomplishments and getting some awareness out,” said Holmen, as she added many people are not aware of the magnitude of Turner’s volunteer contributions. “It’s about putting her to the forefront.”
Holmen added the relay will not only celebrate Turner, but 25 other medal bearers as well, along with Hansen and the research the Man in Motion Tour helped kickstart.
“It’s a celebration of how far they have come with research,” said Holmen.
She went on the mention Turner will not be alone for the that final leg of the relay.
“One thing that’s great is you get to have your family there with you,” she said, as she mentioned that makes the event that much more special.
Turner’s leg of the relay will be 250 metres, which will end at the auditorium. It is an event many in Taber are looking forward to, as the community will play host to an important event, one which helps turn back the clock to Hansen’s original tour.
“Twenty-five years ago I remember walking from L.T. Westlake School to the highway to see Rick Hansen,” said Taber Mayor Ray Bryant. “It’s a pleasure to be able to have the relay stop in our community and stay a little bit before they move on the Lethbridge. I’m looking forward to the celebration in the community centre.”
HANSEN HAPPENINGS: The following are the guidelines used for the selection of the final medal bearer.
- Must be someone whose efforts have removed barriers and contributed to making the community more accessible and barrier free
- Are they a promising youth leader
- Someone who lives by the credo that anything is possible
- Someone committed to making a difference in the lives of others
- Long-serving volunteer
- Mirrors the values of determination, integrity, inspiration, human excellence, team work, and putting others above one self
- Or can be someone who is an everyday unsung hero whose quiet efforts have made a significant impact on the  lives of others.
The committee has also asked that if anyone has pictures of the original relay held 25 years ago, to share them for a display. Contact Murray Gardner at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call in the evenings at 403-223-4186 for more information.
For further information on the relay, visit www.rickhansenrelay.com.