Helpers

These stories about the people making positive impacts in our community are made possible through the continued support of Barber & Haskill as part of our Community Leaders Program.

Local retiree supplies a doll a day for kids at hospital

June O’Leary has knit over more than Izzy dolls for children that come to GBGH since she started knitting the dolls about six years ago and shows no signs of stopping

May 9, 2023 12:14 PM Read more >

HELPERS: Sanity cornerstone of local volunteer’s life’s work

Lorna Tomlinson continues to volunteer at the organization she helped build from the ground up to give her life structure, and because charities and thriving communities rely on volunteers to make it all work

Apr 13, 2023 7:29 AM Read more >

Seeing grief as companion, not enemy, key for hospice volunteer

Joanne Byrick, who lost her son Ben when he was 24, says bereavement is about learning to live with grief and share in the sadness, joy and laughter of the life the person lived

Mar 12, 2023 2:43 PM Read more >

HELPERS: Variety is truly the spice of life for local volunteer

Few are as fit for volunteering as local charmed retiree Wendy (Birdie) Roper who can’t stop moving

Feb 8, 2023 2:43 PM Read more >

From camper to volunteer for this future leader

14-year-old volunteers at the camp she once attended at BGC North Simcoe, which she points out feels like 'just one big family'

Jan 9, 2023 2:43 PM Read more >

HELPERS: Volunteer making connections with Métis culture

'There is this misconception that we’re First Nations,' volunteer says, noting the Métis bridge cultures between the European and Indigenous communities

Dec 9, 2022 7:29 AM Read more >

Crafty Penetang Legion volunteer brings warmth to others

Local volunteer has been knitting blankets and dolls to bring comfort and joy to others both locally and around the world for more than 30 years

Nov 8, 2022 2:43 PM Read more >

HELPERS: 'Phenomenal experience,' joy in guiding adult learners

At the Gateway Centre for Learning, Catharine Gastmeier has helped adults who struggle with literacy learn to read since 2017. 'It’s a phenomenal experience'

Oct 8, 2022 2:43 PM Read more >

Killing it on stage: Volunteer’s love of theatre a family affair

'It’s like you’re a member of a really fun club that’s sole purpose is to put on plays,' explains Maggie Killing, a volunteer set designer, painter and decorator with almost 25 years’ experience with Huronia Players

Sep 8, 2022 7:29 AM Read more >

Wowing people with inspiring knowledge of nature at Wye Marsh

Dorothy Harper has volunteered at the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre for nearly 30 years and has the wealth of wetland knowledge to prove it

Aug 8, 2022 2:43 PM Read more >

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