Candace and Dave Johnson received Langley Township's John and Muriel Arnason Award on April 7.
Helping those who have served our country and reaching out to seniors through friendship and food is a passion for Dave and Candace Johnson of Aldergrove, a husband and wife team who are members of the Aldergrove Vets and Seniors Society and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Royal Canadian Legion’s Aldergrove branch #265.
While the Auxiliary may have the word “Ladies” in its title, the group depends on the assistance of both male and female members. The Auxiliary regularly serves meals to veterans, and the Johnsons set up tables, prepare and serve food, sell tickets, clean up, and socialize with the guests of honour. They also help with special events, from swap meets to barbecues, with Dave acting as bartender.
The Legion events provide socialization for seniors and veterans, but also raise funds for student scholarships, the food bank, families in need, and seniors’ care homes.
Candace is the secretary at the Aldergrove Vets and Seniors Society, and while rules prohibit two family members from serving together on the executive, Dave is equally active as a volunteer and the group’s maintenance man. The society puts on lunches for seniors and veterans four days a week, and the Johnsons help set up and serve, and buy all the groceries.
Recipients of the Arnason Award receive a $750 monetary award to contribute to a recognized charity or society of their choice.