ESTEVAN, Sask. — Julia Iverson is known around Estevan Diversified Services (EDS) for her desire to make people smile, laugh and be happy.
Now she has garnered a provincial recognition for her efforts.
Iverson was presented with the provincial Spirit Award by the Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres (SARC) during the recent convention Oct. 21 in Regina.
Iverson, who has been with EDS for about 10 years, said she enjoys spending time there every day. She works in the kitchen, washing and cleaning the linens and putting them away. She also takes lots of notes, colours and handles other duties.
"She's very helpful," said Tracey Ross from EDS.
The award ceremony was a lot of fun, Iverson said. She was happy to be in the Queen City, where she went shopping and visited some of the sites; and she enjoyed spending time with friends and watching the video made for her award. The meal was really good.
She had her hair done before the event and she had a new dress and shoes.
"We made a big deal of it," said Ross. "Back in July, they had a film crew from SARC come down and they took the video … and it wasn't released until the awards ceremony.
Iverson said her friends at EDS were really happy for her, said she enjoys making people smile and laugh. Ross believes the outgoing and helpful nature is a big reason why Iverson was selected for the award.
A video created by SARC reflected on what makes Julia so special. When she was asked about what having a good spirit means to her, she said it's trying to keep everyone happy.
The video has footage of Iverson smiling, laughing, interacting with others and even singing karaoke. Several people from EDS paid tribute to her.
"I think Julia was nominated for the Spirit Award because she is the definition of spirit," said Sasha Riersgard. "A hundred per cent. There's always a silver lining, and Julia is the silver lining."
"She is so spirited, and sometimes it's just as simple as listening to her laugh and you find yourself laughing," said Ross.
"I feel so lucky to be a friend of hers, to know her," said Peggy Rohatyn. "I could go there and be in the worst mood, but by the time I leave, I'm smiling. She's just smiling all of the time. It's the sweetest thing. There's so few people who can do that."
"Her positive energy just draws people in," said Leia Nelson. "She's one of the reasons that makes it so easy to come to work and love what we're doing every day."
Riersgard noted Iverson has her own sense of style. Iverson might have purple hair or a braid. She has the brightest clothes and she loves her jewelry.
"Her clothing matches her personality," said Riersgard.
Riesgard recalled when they went to karaoke one night and the place was packed. But once Iverson started dancing and singing, everybody was clapping, cheering and singing along.
"She is not only our rock star but she is the biggest cheerleader. We come in here to support them, but honestly she takes care of us," said Nelson.
One of her friends is in a wheelchair, Riersgard said, and provides extra help to him.
"I think it's just her nature," said Riersgard. "She is a natural caregiver and it's part of her personality."
