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The mayor calls her a “rock star.” Her city councillor says she’s “one of the most beloved people” in her northside neighbourhood. For Jennifer Dubord, she’s “grandma” — and a longtime volunteer whose efforts are now being celebrated beyond her community.
Olive Sydor, 97, has been volunteering for the Rosslyn community league in north Edmonton for 65 years — a milestone marked by the community league last month and by city council at a meeting on Tuesday.
Edmonton’s community leagues are powered by volunteers like Sydor “who care deeply about where they live and who make it their mission to help others feel at home in their neighborhoods,” Mayor Andrew Knack said at Tuesday’s meeting.
Over the years, Sydor has worked at countless casino fundraisers, planned events, kept records, coached softball and led youth groups, the mayor said.
After her late husband, Walter, died in 1999, she spent even more time volunteering, Knack said, taking on leadership roles with a neighbourhood watch group and the Edmonton Community Patrol Society.
Knack said Sydor has received numerous awards but those aren’t what motivate her.
“Simply knowing that she’s able to make somebody’s day a little easier or more joyful has always seemed to fuel a boundless energy for uplifting others,” he said.
Knack said over his 13 years on council he has met volunteers who have been involved with their community leagues for three decades but Sydor’s 65-year streak is “unreal.”
The mayor recalled attending the community league’s celebration, where a bench dedicated to the couple was unveiled on Sept. 12.
Olive Sydor and board members from the Rosslyn community league sit on the new bench honouring her and her late husband. (Submitted by Natasha Da Fonseca)
Knack said when Sydor arrived at the gathering, it was like a rock star had entered the room.
Ward Anirniq Coun. Erin Rutherford said when she met Sydor for the first time, she knew she was “something special” but once she got to know people in the community more, she realized just how special she was.
“She’s one of the most beloved people in that area,” she said during the council meeting.
“All of her hard work, all of her dedication and all of her volunteering have created a legacy that is undeniable.”
Olive Sydor attends Community League Day in Rosslyn with Coun. Erin Rutherford in 2022. (Submitted by Natasha Da Fonseca)
Sydor told CBC News she moved to Rosslyn with her husband and two children in August of 1960 and lived there until February of this year, when she moved to a seniors’ lodge on the south side.
She had two more children and spent many years serving in executive positions on the community league’s board of directors.
Sydor said her hearing aid was sliding out during Tuesday’s meeting so it was hard for her to hear what the council members said.
“I’m 97 years old, so what else do you expect?” she quipped, after the meeting.
She said it was amazing to be honoured at city hall and the new bench, plus a plaque that hangs in the hall, are “very special.”
She said Rosslyn is an “exceptional” community and she has watched it become more diverse over the years.
Dubord, Sydor’s eldest grandchild, called her grandmother “a very special person” in an interview with CBC News.
“She, at 97, can still volunteer and help people wherever she’s needed,” she said.
From sitting on boards to working many bingo and casino fundraising events over the years, Sydor said helping others has always been important to her, especially when family members are involved.
“I believe in helping where I can help,” she said.