A volunteer bartender who has put in hundreds of hours behind the counter at Riverview Gardens Pub is being recognized for his devotion to helping others.
The Riverview Gardens Family Council has selected Phil McCracken as the recipient of the 2023 Norm Lachapelle Award for Volunteerism.
McCracken has been volunteering at Riverview Gardens since 2016 and spends most of his Tuesday and Thursday afternoons bartending at the Riverview Gardens Pub, according to a release from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.
So far, he has volunteered over 450 hours at the long-term care facility, but it's his positive attitude and dependability that really make him stand out.
"Phil goes above and beyond to be welcoming and friendly to everyone he encounters, and he makes our Pub hour a very enjoyable time for our residents... he engages everyone as they arrive and makes sure the regulars have their 'usual' in a very timely fashion," said Janice Ward, Co-Chair of the Riverview Gardens Family Council. "He can be counted on to attend when scheduled and is always willing to come in whenever needed. Phil brings a little bit of 'Cheers' to Riverview Gardens every time he tends bar."
The award McCracken is receiving was created in 2019 in honour of long-time volunteer Norm Lachapelle, who passed away suddenly in 2018.
Lachapelle's wife, Linda, said it is important to recognize that so many volunteers are following in her husband's footsteps, adding that it is "heartwarming to know that Norm's devotion in helping others continues to flourish in the hearts of the volunteers, especially Phil."
McCracken said he "didn’t start volunteering to receive awards," but he also appreciates the honour.
Anyone interested in volunteering their time at Riverview Gardens can find more information, including how to apply, by clicking here.