Calgary’s Top 7 Over 70 Awards is an annual program that recognizes outstanding individuals in Calgary and the surrounding areas who have launched new ventures, businesses or community initiatives after the age of 70.
The program celebrates older adults who share their expertise and experience for the betterment of the city—reshaping perceptions of aging and showcasing the power of lifelong learning, innovation and leadership.
“You don’t get older…you get bolder”
Jim Gray, Founder and Chair of Calgary’s Top 7 Over 70, welcomed the evening by kicking off an address to more than 600 attendees at this year’s Awards Gala. In addition to the seven honourees, a Special Achievement Award was also presented to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the community. Among the honourees were two remarkable volunteer leaders from United Way of Calgary and Area—Ron Freckleton and Elder Jackie Bromley.
Ron Freckleton: A Voice for Compassion and Community
Ron Freckleton, Inspirational Impact Speaker, receiving his award.
For the past six years, Ron Freckleton has served as a United Way Impact Speaker, delivering more than 50 speeches to thousands of corporate leaders across Calgary. Through his personal story of love and resilience during his late wife Joanie’s battle with Alzheimer’s and dementia, Ron has inspired countless others to give back, helping to raise millions of dollars to support vulnerable individuals and strengthen our communities.
Ron Freckleton with UWCA’s Engagement Team: Danisha Bhaloo-Shivji, Bryn Stagg and Holly Jenkins.
Now 92 years young, Ron continues to lead by example at Trinity Lodge, where he’s affectionately known as “the Mayor” of the residence. He organizes Alzheimer’s walks, leads a writer’s group, coordinates annual holiday collections and even launched an “Adopt a Dahlia” campaign—supporting residents with sponsoring flowers that are nurtured from spring through fall, photographing their growth and turning images into calendars to raise funds.
Ron’s outlook on life is powerful.
“When you go into retirement, you have a choice of retiring or finding new pursuits and interests. The latter is a more fulfilling choice.”
Elder Jackie Bromley: Guiding with Wisdom and Heart
Elder Jackie Bromley, UWCA Indigenous Advisory Committee, receiving her award.
Elder Jackie Bromley is a respected community leader and advocate for her Indigenous brothers, sisters and children – and is well known across Moh’kins’tsis. As an Elder support to United Way’s Akak’stiman Strategy, she offers invaluable reflection and guidance, helping ensure our work is grounded in truth, reconciliation and respect.
At 74, Elder Jackie continues to give back through numerous roles—serving on the Board of the Treaty 7 Urban Indian Housing Authority, advising to the University of Alberta and Calgary Legal Guidance and contributing to the Grandmothers Wisdom Network. She also participates in the annual Elders Story Project, wrote the “Elders’ voice” in the published report and leads presentations for the Calgary Board of Education.
Elder Jackie Bromley with Daisy Giroux, Strategy Lead, UWCA.
Raised by her grandparents before going to residential school, where she was stripped of her language and culture, Elder Jackie has dedicated her life to ensuring that others, especially children and youth, never lose their culture and traditions.
At the Gala, Elder Jackie reflected on the Seven Sacred Teachings:
“Be honest, show humility, tell the truth, have courage, understand wisdom, love each other and respect each other.”
These lessons resonate deeply with United Way’s mission to mobilize communities for lasting social change.
Celebrating Community Leaders and Boldness at Every Age
We are deeply grateful to have Ron and Elder Jackie spend their time with us at United Way. Their unwavering commitment, wisdom and “get it done” attitude inspires all of us.
Other 2025 Top 7 over 70 include Esmail Bharwani, Gerry Darichuk, Alfred Fischer, Dr. Marvin Fritzler, Neil Webber and Loise Mitchell (Special Achievement Award). Congratulations to all!
We see the need. United, we can meet it.
Every day, we see the need in our city for connection, compassion and community. Ron and Elder Jackie remind us that anyone, at any stage of life, can make a lasting difference. By promoting intergenerational entrepreneurship and highlighting the skills and passion of older adults, Top 7 Over 70 reminds us that age is not a barrier to creativity or impact—it’s an asset that enriches our communities.
Together, we can create a Calgary where everyone—at every age—has the opportunity to thrive.