July Member of the Month: Ruth Sayers

For more than 50 years, Ruth Sayers, TOPS BC 1533 Courtenay, has been a familiar face in TOPS. Since joining in 1974, she has served in nearly every chapter officer position. Through it all, one thing has remained constant: her commitment to helping others feel welcome, supported and valued.

She believes in the integrity of TOPS, staying committed to member well-being with research and professionalism.

Ruth first joined TOPS when she began gaining weight and wanted support on her health journey. While she says she has not achieved all of her personal weight-loss goals, she credits TOPS with helping her learn about nutrition, healthy living and the importance of community.

Over the decades, Ruth has moved several times, but TOPS was always one of the first places she sought out in a new community. Walking into a chapter meeting gave her an instant sense of belonging and helped her build lasting friendships.

Ruth promotes TOPS throughout her community, sharing information through local media, community events and TOPS area provincial and regional rallies (with responsibilities like chairing, co-chairing, conducting workshops and more). But her first priority is always her home chapter, where she helps organize programs, contests, picnics and special activities that keep members engaged and connected.

One of Ruth's most successful chapter initiatives was a program called "It's Your Choice." Designed to encourage members to make informed decisions about their health, the program featured member-led presentations on everything from food choices and exercise options to self-esteem and personal wellness.

Ruth is also known for her creativity. She has helped organize rally skits, decorations and recognition activities, written songs for TOPS events and developed challenges that benefit both members and the wider community. One monumental task she and fellow member Margaret Leman tackled is an over 200-page chapter recipe book with nutrition information. Another project involved helping create a colorful striped crocheted blanket that tracked members' weight-loss achievements before being donated to a local women's shelter.

Giving back is a major part of Ruth's chapter culture. Each year, members select a local charity and collect items that are most needed. Recent efforts for a women's shelter brought in more than 500 donated items!

Ruth's greatest gift is the encouragement she offers others. At the end of many meeting recaps, she shares a simple reminder: "Remember how special you are and be kind to yourself." Another common slogan she likes to share is: “When in doubt, go the positive route.”

“Ruth’s support for every member is unwavering, but she also provides additional support for individuals whom she believes are struggling,” said Margaret. “With her wacky sense of humor and boundless enthusiasm, she is pivotal in building a strong sense of community in the chapter. She is a team player who, through example, encourages us to participate in our community, area, province and national TOPS gatherings.”

Ruth’s advice to members: Be involved. Never give up. Be patient and kind to yourself.

"When you give, you get tenfold back," she said. "To give is to receive."

Do you know a TOPS member who inspires others through their positive attitude, dedication or personal progress? Or maybe that member is you! Learn more and nominate a member here.