Warwick Township

Guiding Beacon: Lucy Bryson

Lucy Bryson's fundraising efforts have helped improve the lives of patients at local health care facilities.

Lucy chose health care facilities as the focus of her fundraising because “I've been in the hospital so many times, they were always so, so very good to me there… I really appreciate it and want to help keep the hospital going.” Following a surgery in 1997 at the Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital, Lucy was determined to donate wheelchairs to the facility. After four years of collecting aluminum can tabs Lucy donated three wheelchairs. Many of the aluminum can tabs from that donation came from family and friends.

In years following, Lucy was able to expand her network and accelerate her fundraising. By coordinating the collection of more aluminum can tabs, Lucy raised enough money to fund 25 wheelchairs and four walkers for health care facilities in Sarnia, Forest, Watford, Petrolia, Strathroy and London. Lucy is quick to point out, “Many other people have supported me throughout this project.” With an excellent network of collectors and donators, she receives tabs from as far away as Michigan and Florida!

Long-time friend Rod Glen submitted the nomination for Lucy and noted, “Lucy represents what is best about Lambton County women.”

Nominees:

Mary Janes

Mary Janes is an active advocate for the Warwick community.

She has been involved in multiple local projects including authoring The Church by the Side of the Road – Warwick United Church in 2012.

As a women's Institute member, Mary served as the Public Relations Director for the 1997 Centennial Convention. She also served as International Officer for the 2001 Associated Country Women of the World Conference (ACWW). In this position, she championed an initiative to send craft items to ACWW members in the Caribbean and South America to help create self-sustaining business opportunities.

Nominated by her cousin Janet Firman, Mary is described as an “exception, giving, caring, helpful, skillful individual who has contributed as great deal to Warwick Township and Lambton County.”