Vernon, BC has a new Good Citizen of the Year.
centenary Helen Sydney Was surprised by the honor this week at City Hall.
Sidney said that when his daughter, who knew about the award, said they were going to rest at City Hall, Sidney had no idea what was about to happen.
“It was the biggest surprise of my life,” she said.
Sidney is well known for his daily efforts to clean up the area by picking up litter and bins along Bella Vista Road in Vernon.
The former teacher donates the money she gets from recycling to schools.
When asked what inspires her to clean up every day, Sydney said it grew from her work as a first grade teacher teaching students not to litter.
Sydney says she’s been cleaning the street since she moved to the area more than 30 years ago.
Now 100 years old, she plans to continue working.
The Good Citizen of the Year award comes with $500 to donate to Sydney. She says the money will also go to the local school.