There are people in every town who tirelessly work to improve the community never seeking personal recognition. Yorkton's Arliss Dellow is one of those individuals. On October 6, Dellow received some well-deserved recognition with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Saskatchewan Senior Volunteer Awards for his nearly 60 years of service to numerous organizations.
The retired lawyer downplayed the achievement. "Actually, it was surprising; I was humbled," he said. "I think it's part of our DNA to be volunteers in Saskatchewan. It's part of the rent I pay for living in this great country."
New Horizons Senior Citizens of Yorkton nominated Dellow for the award. Vi Stefanuk, the organization's secretary, said he was instrumental in saving the New Horizons Senior Centre on First Avenue North.
"It is truly amazing that one man, with his firm and gentle way, could lift our senior centre out of a quagmire and set it on a road of financial stability, project accomplishments and appreciation of the true spirit of volunteering," she wrote in the nomination summary.
In Yorkton, Dellow's volunteer efforts date to 1967. He has served as president of the Yorkton Jaycees, Yorkton Optimist Club and Saskatchewan Literacy Network; as chair of the Saskatchewan Housing Authority; as director of the Yorkton Film Festival; and as a member for the Yorkton Friendship Centre and SIGN.
For many years, he was a swim referee and master official and coached minor girls softball. In addition to his current role as member and advisor of the New Horizons board of directors, he is involved annually in fundraising for the Soup Haven Lunch Program and Salvation Army.
Although humbled, Dellow was grateful. "I thank everybody most sincerely," he said.
