Kathy Lind has touched countless lives in the community she has called home for almost all of her 81 years. Airdrie is in her roots; her grandparents homesteaded here in 1909, and Lind has carried that legacy of community forward with quiet dedication.
For nearly a decade, Lind has been a steady, joyful presence at Bethany Airdrie, where she has logged more than 650 volunteer hours.
“Kathy is very dependable, often filling in when they need another volunteer. Her kindness means so much to the residents and all the staff at Bethany,” says nominator Wendy Contant.
Whether helping with the weekly singalong — “I like to sing and I get up there and have fun with them” — or offering the hugs she has become famous for, Lind brings comfort and connection to residents.
“I tease them that I am the one who needs hugs because I have no one at home to give me hugs. It just makes my day,” she says, with a laugh.
Lind supports bus outings, recreation programs, food service and even palliative care, offering presence in life’s final moments at the centre. She has also seen first-hand how music can spark something meaningful in residents.
“Some residents are just sitting there, but, if you sing to them, you can see their mouth start to move and they start to dance a bit, and you just feel connected,” Lind says.
The AAWAs are celebrating their Sweet 16 in 2026. What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
Slow down and think of what you want in life before you jump in with both feet. Learn from your elders. Some younger people tend to brush off the older generation and think that they don’t know what they are talking about, but we are speaking from experience. I’d also say, “Have fun in life!”