By Jane Adams
Muriel Milne doesn’t like to sit still. After running a successful fabric store for 20 years, she turned to volunteering as a way to give back to her community. She does it all – from knitting toques for the snowsuit fund, to helping out at her church, to teaching adults to read and write. That’s when she’s not bowling or playing bridge or euchre of course! “I’ve been very fortunate to have had good health and I get much more out of it than I give,” says Muriel.
Muriel is also one of 65 volunteers at Dundas Manor who were recently recognized at the annual Volunteer Appreciation event at the Old Town Hall. The event included presentations, refreshments and a fun trivia game. Volunteers received a gift card in recognition of their important work.
Muriel says she gets a lot of joy from volunteering at Dundas Manor. At least twice a week, she stops by around 11:30 to help take residents to the dining room and feed them. Her late husband called Dundas Manor home for more than two years. “The residents are getting wonderful care and I have a lot of respect for everyone who works there,” she says. “If I can make someone’s day, that’s great. I’m happy to sit and chat with a resident for a few minutes.”
“Our home is known for our creative and varied Activity/Recreation programs. We couldn’t do what we do without the assistance of our dedicated volunteers. We are blessed. It is as simple as that,” notes Jennifer Hill, Activity Programs and Services Director.
Administrator Susan Poirier agrees. “Our volunteers are a big part of our “one family” at Dundas Manor. We can’t thank them enough for their time, kindness and expertise.”
