When Dennis Bayley talks about volunteering, he doesn't speak about awards or recognition. Instead, he talks about giving.
"You'll get more out of life by giving," he says, "Find where you can give. That's where the real rewards are."
It's a philosophy that has guided Dennis throughout his life, and one that recently earned the Taunton Mills resident one of Ontario's highest honours for community service.
Dennis was recognized with the Ontario Senior Achievement Award, presented by the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, during a ceremony at Queen's Park on June 22. The award celebrates seniors who have made meaningful contributions to the lives and well-being of Ontarians through community service and humanitarian efforts.
For Dennis, now 90 years old, the recognition is simply another chapter in a lifetime devoted to helping others.
"I've been volunteering for more than 65 years," he says. "I'm 90 now, and I'm still volunteering today."
His volunteer journey has touched countless lives. He has worked to address physician shortages in Scugog, strengthened the Port Perry Lawn Bowling Club, served Rotary as District 7070 Literacy Chair, organized annual deliveries of hand-knit clothing to children attending a remote Indigenous fly-in school, advocated on environmental health issues, and continues to volunteer through Schlegel Villages' ElderWisdom Green Bench campaign.
Behind it all has been the unwavering support of his wife of 66 years, Patricia, whom Dennis credits as an important part of his journey.
Dennis says his outlook on service began long before his volunteer work ever started.
"I think my school motto started it all," he recalls. "I went to school in England, and the message we learned was that what you give to others becomes your true riches."
Those words stayed with him throughout his life.
"From a very early age, we learned to give," he says. "If someone didn't have something, everyone shared. That's just what you did."
More than seven decades later, he still believes those lessons are just as important.
"The world would be a better place if more people thought that way," Dennis says. "Your real riches come from what you give to other people."
For Dennis, volunteering isn't something people grow out of; it is something that gives life purpose, regardless of age.
"At any age, you can contribute," he says. "You don't stop living because you're 90. Just keep pushing. You've got ideas and you've got things to contribute, so keep at it."
That outlook is one of the many reasons Dennis was nominated for the Ontario Senior Achievement Award.
"Dennis truly represents the very best of our community," said Whitby MPP Lorne Coe. "Through his incredible civic pride, compassion, and commitment to leading cultural and wellness initiatives, he has made a lasting, positive impact on fellow seniors across the Region of Durham.
"It was an honor to celebrate your accomplishments in person. Thank you, Dennis, for everything you do to build a stronger, more connected community."
While Dennis appreciates the recognition, it hasn't changed his perspective.
Recognition was never the goal.
"There will always be another opportunity to help," he says with a smile.
It's that simple philosophy, rooted in generosity, curiosity and purpose, that continues to inspire everyone around him. And for Dennis, the work isn't finished.
After all, as he reminds us, "You don't stop living because you're 90." You simply keep finding new ways to give.
