They say if you want something done, ask a busy person.
The old adage certainly rings true for David McLean. Whether he’s organizing functions at the Hillsview Active Living Centre (Acton), dressing up in costume to take part in a variety of community events, or surprising neighbours by cutting their grass or snow blowing their driveway, the longtime local resident certainly seems to be everywhere.
So it’s only fitting that the Rotary Club of Acton has named McLean the 2022 Citizen of the Year.
“I was shocked,” he said when he first learned that he had been selected for the recognition. “You don’t help people to get something like that back.”
A dinner was held in McLean’s honour at the Acton Town Hall Centre last night (Oct. 11), with friends and family turning out in full force to celebrate all of his accomplishments amidst laughter and tears.
McLean is the face of the local Active Living Centre and is currently serving as its president. He also looks after the centre’s senior men’s breakfast group, sits on the social committee and participates in the Santa Claus Parade on behalf of the facility.
“When COVID hit, we also started a telephone committee at the seniors’ centre,” he noted. “We phoned all of the members every week for two years.”
McLean did local deliveries for Food for Life during the pandemic, dropping off the fresh food bags to seniors who were at home to stay safe from COVID-19 or due to mobility challenges.
He endeavoured to support businesses that faced hardships during the pandemic while doing good for others at the same time. He would buy two dozen cookies from Sweet Molly’s and divide them up as special treats for local firefighters and paramedics.
Over at the Acton branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, McLean has been involved with its executive since 2010 and currently serves as the sports officer.
In addition to giving him time, the Acton man has also given his blood over and over, donating more than 125 times since 1967.
So why does he continue to contribute to the community in so many ways?
“It just makes you feel good,” he said.
While he doesn’t want the recognition, his actions are clearly appreciated by others in the community and don’t go unnoticed.
A nomination letter about McLean said, “David always goes above and beyond, unselfishly helping neighbours (snow blowing driveways, cutting lawns), strangers, promoting local businesses and the community and Halton Hills.”
He also received the 2022 Volunteer Impact Award from Halton Region, which he said was related to a drive-through dinner program at the Active Living Centre that served almost 7,000 meals during the height of the pandemic in 2020 and 2021.
For all that he does, it may come as no surprise that the community is happy to return the favour when McLean is in need.
After his late wife Shirley was diagnosed with cancer, his close-knit neighbourhood on Tidey Avenue set up a schedule to ensure all of his meals were looked after.
“I came home at 11 one night and before I got out of the garage, someone was handing me my dinner,” he said. ”I don’t think I cooked five meals in four months. That’s why we like it in Acton - if you need a hand, you can always find somebody.”
McLean has lived in Acton since 1975, raising two sons - Terry and Donny - alongside Shirley in the local community.
He was selected for the Rotary Club’s recognition by a committee consisting of three former Citizens of the Year.
