Community members are invited to help longtime New West resident Gerda Suess celebrate her 90th birthday and support a cause that’s near and dear to her heart – but don’t tell her because it’s a surprise.
Suess, who was New Westminster’s Citizen of the Year in 2003, becomes a nonagenarian on Sept. 4. Community members are invited to attend a drive-by birthday salute on Friday, Sept. 4 between 11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m.
“Please do not tell Gerda!” said a note from organizers. “Friends of Gerda Suess – and the Group of Five, Hyack, Royal Columbian Hospital and Foundation, Rotary, residents’ associations, City of New Westminster and every one of her personal friends – are invited to participate in a 'drive-by birthday' salute to this amazing woman. … Decorate your cars – honk your horns and make a joyful noise!”
The plan calls for folks to assemble on Queens Avenue, head north on Ash Street – where Suess lives – turn right on Third Avenue, travel down Sixth Street and repeat the loop, if desired. Ideally, attendees would drive by at noon, when a “little something” is happening for the guest of honour.
Last October, Suess was among 10 seniors recognized by the B.C. Cultural Diversity Association at a National Seniors Day Celebration, which acknowledged seniors who have made a difference to their communities.
Suess is one of the founders of the Group of Five and Friends Benevolent Society, a New West-based non-profit that raises money to buy equipment for Royal Columbian Hospital. Past purchases have included gurneys, monitors and arthroscopic cameras for the emergency room, televisions for the pediatric department and skeletons for the education department.
Since 2005, the Group of Five has organized a variety of events to raise money for the hospital, including teas and seasonal events. Because of COVID-19, fundraising opportunities are now limited.
Instead of cards and flowers, donations to the Group of Five will be welcome during the Sept. 4 event as this may be the group’s only fundraiser this year.
