Calgary Celebrates Top 7 Over 70: Honoring Seniors’ Impact

The city of Calgary has recognized seven remarkable seniors for their outstanding contributions in the ninth annual Top 7 Over 70 awards. This initiative celebrates individuals who have made significant impacts in various fields after reaching the age of 70. Alongside the seven honorees, a Special Achievement Award will also be presented to a notable figure.

“There’s no shortage of older adults who significantly improve our city every day,” said Steve Allan, chair of the Top 7 Over 70 executive committee in Calgary. “They are making contributions in the worlds of business, education, science, social enterprises, arts and sports. It’s amazing to see the significant accomplishments they are achieving in new ventures started after age 70.”

Profiles of the Honorees

Among this year’s honorees is Jackie Bromley, 74, an elder from the Kainai Blood Tribe. She is one of five First Nations grandmothers who founded the Grandmothers’ Wisdom Network, which focuses on sharing cultural teachings with younger generations. Bromley is also an advocate for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and she promotes the inclusion of the Blackfoot language in schools.

Alf Fischer, 78, has played a pivotal role in enhancing infrastructure development for rural communities. His contributions include improving access to essential services such as water, power, sewer, roads, and communication.

Gerry Darichuk, also 78, serves as the president of Rotary and is recognized for his humanitarian efforts supporting Ukrainian evacuees. His initiatives include fundraising, gathering supplies, and developing support programs. Darichuk has personally traveled to Ukraine to deliver medical supplies and assist in rebuilding hospitals.

Marvin Fritzler, 81, stands out as a leader and mentor in the medical field. His research has focused on autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases, including recent studies on COVID-19, juvenile arthritis, and lupus.

Esmail Bharwani, 84, has made a significant impact by providing over 500 scholarships to students from under-represented groups through a foundation he established for single parents, newcomers, and Indigenous students.

Neil Webber, 89, is the founder of Webber Academy, a university preparatory school in southwest Calgary. He remains the school’s president and has overseen multiple expansions in recent years.

Ron Freckleton, 92, is a speaker, author, and advocate for dementia and Alzheimer’s awareness. After losing his wife to Alzheimer’s, Freckleton has initiated the “Adopt-a-Dahlia” program to raise funds for related charities at his residence.

Special Achievement Award and Broader Impact

The Special Achievement Award for this year goes to Lois Mitchell, the former lieutenant governor of Alberta. Recently, she was appointed president of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, further solidifying her influence in the community.

The Top 7 Over 70 awards, which began in Calgary, have gained traction across Canada, with branches now established in Southeastern Alberta and Atlantic Canada. This expansion reflects the growing recognition of the contributions made by seniors in various communities.

As the awards ceremony approaches, the stories of these remarkable individuals serve as an inspiration, highlighting the vitality and potential of seniors in shaping a better future for all.