WMA honours volunteer Barbara Moore

That's one of the observations former Westmount city councillor Barbara Moore made while accepting the Westmount Municipal Association's 2008 Derek Walker Award for Volunteer Citizen of the Year at Victoria Hall last Monday evening.

Since this year marks the WMA's 100th anniversary, "I hit the jackpot," said Moore.

Dr. Arthur Porter, the McGill University Health Centre's executive-director was the WMA's guest speaker. He said a centennial celebration "is very special, not only because it marks time, but rather, more importantly, because it represents the strength of character of the people that have made up this association over the years.

"People truly committed to their community — people who volunteer their time and share their experiences, their expertise and concerns in order to raise awareness and build a bright future for new generations — people like Barbara Moore, who's being recognized tonight."

A retired administrator, Moore was elected to Westmount city council in 1999, although her term was cut short by the City's forced merger. She has also served as vice-president of the WMA, as president of the St. James Literary Society, as a board member of the CLSC Metro, and in a wide range of functions at Moutainside United Church.

Sally Aitken, also a former city councillor and a previous recipient of the Derek Walker Award, introduced Moore at Monday's annual general meeting. She said one evening recently she did a Google web search for Barbara Moore and was surprised at the number of results that came back. "But once I read them, I realized it was not the Barbara Moore we know," she said. "One of them was the Playboy of the month in 1992. So, no, it wasn't you. But you are certainly Westmount's centre piece, and we thank and congratulate you for your years of selfless service. Derek Walker's award couldn't have found a more worthy recipient."

Among the numerous hats Moore has worn over the years as a volunteer, she has donated many hours of her time to the YMCA's branch on Sherbrooke Street in Westmount. "Barbara's been for many years active as a fundraiser for the YMCA," said Gary White, executive-director of the branch, who attended the award ceremony. "She's been responsible for raising thousands of dollars for the kids in our community, to make sure that kids with special needs can come to our programs, to make sure that kids from financially disadvantaged families can have access to our programs."