Area man honored for his volunteerism

Don Chartier, of Littleton, has been selected as one of five winners of the 2007 AARP North Carolina Legacy Award, in recognition of outstanding community service.

The award will be presented on Tuesday, Oct. 30, at a Raleigh luncheon, to be held at the NC State University Club, 4200 Hillsborough Street.

Chartier is a member of the Eaton’s Ferry Road AARP Chapter in Littleton. In 1998, he organized the chapter’s Relay for Life-American Cancer Society Team, which has raised more than $60,000 for the American Cancer Society since its inception, including a 2006 donation of $5,700.

In 2005, Chartier himself was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He had successful surgery and says he is progressing well toward his announced goal of beating the disease.

In 1993, Chartier was involved with a team that initiated a Habitat for Humanity program in the Lake Gaston area. He has served as a construction chairman, responsible for planning each home, recruiting labor and supervising construction.

As of 2006, this Habitat team had successfully built six houses for families in need of a home.