Top 7 over 70 pushes to expand nationally ahead of 2027 gala after nearly a decade

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeNewsLocal News Top 7 over 70 pushes to expand nationally ahead of 2027 gala after nearly a decade Much has been done for younger people through programs such as Top 30 Under 30 and Top 20 Under 20, but there needed to be a way to honour seniors in the same way, said founder Jim Gray Author of the article: By Daniel Gonzalez Published Sep 15, 2026 3 minute read Join the conversation Martha Hall Findlay, director of UCalgary's School of Public Policy, with founder Jim Gray during the Top 7 Over 70 alumni luncheon at the Calgary Golf and Country Club in Calgary on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026. Darren Makowichuk/Postmedia Article content A born-in-Calgary program to honour residents making a difference in their communities after the age of 70 is aiming to expand across the country. Article content The Top 7 Over 70 program started nine years ago to spotlight the contributions of older adults in Calgary, with seven recipients chosen every two years for their endeavours started after the age of 70. Article content Article content Much has been done for younger people through programs such as Top 30 Under 30 and Top 20 Under 20, but there needed to be a way to honour seniors in the same way, founder Jim Gray said at the Calgary Golf and Country Club during the Top 7 Over 70 Alumni Luncheon on Tuesday. Article content Article content “The legacy really is in our winners and in all of those that have been nominated, to honour them and have them inspire other seniors and younger people, because we seniors are living longer both neurologically and physically,” Gray said. “We can make a contribution, and the quality of our life and the contribution is improving constantly.” Article content Noon News Roundup Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links, news highlights, analysis and features. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content Five galas were hosted in Calgary, alongside another in Medicine Hat. Article content It has since expanded to other communities in Alberta, Ontario and Nova Scotia, and will be expanding to Saskatchewan. Article content “Within two or three years it’ll be in another three or four provinces, and the dream is that within five to 10 years it’s from coast to coast,” Gray said. “We’ll let that…