Andrew Coffey has received royal recognition for his work in granting children’s wishes.
Mayor Keith Hobbs presented the 81-year-old grandfather of five with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal at a ceremony at Victoriaville Mall Thursday. The award is given to Canadians who’ve made significant contributions to their community.
Coffey has volunteered with the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada for more than two decades and was instrumental in establishing the local sub-chapter.
He had established the chapter because he said he wanted to grant children’s wishes.
He was told about two weeks ago that he would receive the award and said he was appreciative of the gesture.
“They had two for Ontario and they thought that they’d give one to me,” he said.
“We’ve helped a lot of kids. We get four or five children a year and most of their choices are going to Disneyland. The average cost is about $10,000.
“You figure about four or five a year over 20 years you do the math and you can understand why we need to raise money. We got to keep helping these kids because when they do they laugh, smile, they get stronger and they walk away healthier.”
Coffey often delivers the good news to the children who are a part of the foundation.
The children can’t contain their excitement when Coffey breaks the news that they’re going to Disneyland.
He said it’s wonderful to see that happen.
“It does the heart good.”
“Thunder Bay has been good to me over the years and I thought I should give something back. I do and the Children’s Wish is one way to give back.”
Hobbs called Coffey a “gentleman’s gentleman” and considered it an honour to present him with the medal.
He said Coffey has been a pillar in the community for his for his volunteer service.
“He’s the nicest man I’ve ever met,” Hobbs said.
“He was my mentor when I was running for mayor. To give this jubilee medal was awesome. There’s only 60,000 given out in Canada and I can’t think of a more deserving man.”
