October 18, 1999
(Municipal and Provincial Affairs)

The following is being distributed at the request of Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation:

NLHC recognizes oldest housing client

Lloyd Matthews, minister responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC), will recognize the corporation's oldest housing client Monday, October 18, 1999. In honour of International Year of Older Persons (IYOP), Mrs. Margaret Giovannini, who is 99 years old, will be treated to a luncheon at the Waterford Manor in St. John's. The announcement was made today by Mr. Matthews. Mrs. Giovannini has been a tenant of NLHC's for the past 10 years.

"Turning 99 years old and living as full and rich a life as Mrs. Giovannini's deserves special recognition in her honour," Mr. Matthews said. "Her continued achievements, contribution to society and her love and enjoyment of life are truly worth celebrating."

Born Margaret Todd, in England, October 13, 1900, Mrs. Giovannini became a professional nurse with special training in mid-wifery. In April 1939, she accepted a position with the Newfoundland Department of Health which would see her posted in countless outport communities of coastal Newfoundland and Labrador throughout her life. She married Casimir Giovannini in 1942 and moved to St. Lawrence where her husband worked as a heavy equipment operator in the flourspar mines. After his death in 1969, she remained in St. Lawrence until 1984 when she moved to St. John's. Mrs. Giovannini is still an active volunteer at the Senior's Resource Centre in St. John's.

Mrs. Giovannini and a guest will be driven by limousine service to the Waterford Manor at 185 Waterford Bridge Road for a photo session with Mr. Matthews and Mary Marshall, chief operating officer for NLHC. After that Mr. Matthews, Mrs. Marshall, Mrs. Giovannini and her guest will enjoy a light lunch and afternoon tea.

Media contact: Jenny Bowring, NLHC, (709) 724-3055.

1999 10 18 10:00 a.m.