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Walter and Jan Poustie: Volunteers of the Year

The 2011 John and Muriel Arnason Volunteers of the Year Award recipients are Walter and Jan Poustie.
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Walter and Jan Poustie are the Muriel Arnason Volunteers of the Year.

The 2011 John and Muriel Arnason Volunteers of the Year Award recipients are Walter and Jan Poustie.

For 26 years, Walter and Janice Poustie have been members of the Royal Canadian Legion. Twenty of those years have been spent in the Township of Langley, where they are known for being extremely dedicated and extremely humble.

Viewing their volunteer and charitable work as part of their life’s values and responsibilities, this Aldergrove couple has served both the Langley and Aldergrove branches of the Legion. The Pousties can be counted on to participate in special events and ceremonies, with Walter acting as Parade Marshall and leading the Langley Legion Pipes and Drums Band.

A retired teacher, Janice volunteers twice a week at a local elementary school, helping students who need a little extra attention, while Walter is a mentor to the youth involved in a variety of Legion programs.

The couple tries to involve young people in all aspects of their community service, helping to provide bursaries and scholarships, and visiting schools to promote the Legion’s annual essay, poetry, poster, and video contests. The Pousties volunteer with the Family Council for Extended Care at Langley Memorial Hospital, which Janice chairs, and spearheaded campaigns to donate equipment to LMH, Langley Lodge, and therapeutic riding programs. They also helped create a pathway around the hospital, and plan opportunities for handicapped adults to assist at Legion events.

Walter and Janice were instrumental in securing the Township of Langley as the host community for the prestigious Legion National Youth Track and Field Championships that we will be hosting in 2013 and 2014.

On top of all this, they have has raised eight children, and have 14 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.