Garth Harvey was taken aback Wednesday night when he was named the Cowichan Valley's adult volunteer of the year by Volunteer Cowichan. Over the years the 80-year-old philanthropist has become accustomed to quietly going about his business.
"I was very surprised. I had no idea. You do your thing and you don't think about it because everybody is doing their thing," he said. "It's nice to be recognized by your peers."
Harvey's contributions to his community are vast and immeasurable. He is a kind, caring man who gives and gives but expects nothing in return. Since moving to Shawnigan Lake from Ottawa in l976 with his wife Gladys, Harvey has worked hard to improve life for local residents. The couple started the Community Crier, Shawnigan Lake's community newspaper. He became chairman of the Shawnigan Lake Recreation Association and spearheaded the campaign to build the present day Shawnigan Lake Community Centre. In return he was named a lifetime honourary director.
When his wife fell ill with Alzheimer's Disease the former federal government employee took a hiatus from volunteerism to care for her.
Her battle with dementia inspired him to help others with the disease, and after her death in 1995 Harvey helped launch the Caregiver Support Circle Pilot Project. Eventually he founded the Cowichan Family Caregivers Support Society.
To this day Harvey spends hours each week helping people with Alzheimer's, giving special attention to one man in particular. They go for drives, watch birds, play mini golf and shoot pool - an activity Harvey says helps flex his friend's mental muscle. "We're not playing by the rules, we're playing to put balls in pockets," he explains. "On a pool table there are a number of possibilities and choices. For a person who is losing their cognitive powers this is good exercise."
Harvey's philosophy is simple. After years of working full time and taking from the community he decided his retirement years should devoted to giving back.
"You can get pretty bored with playing golf or sailing around an island," he joked.