Volunteer Profile: Marion Wilson

Being a senior, CHATS volunteer Marion Wilson laughs that she should be a client. But in fact, it's her volunteer work that enhances her wellbeing. "It keeps me connected and active. I meet new people and make new friends. And it makes me feel good when I know they (clients) are enjoying their days. Whenever you do something good for someone else, it's good for you," says the Kleinberg resident.

Since about 1997, Marion has volunteered at the Italian Seniors Wellness Program in Woodbridge, greeting participants at the front doors, checking them in, and assisting during coffee time. But what she's most known for are her goodies – her baking, her desserts, and her cakes.

"Oh, I've made muffins, loaves, coffee cakes; everything from ice cream cakes to puddings, fruit desserts, bread puddings; all kinds of things," says Marion.

And oh, those cakes. Marion has whipped up incredible cakes for special days like Valentine's Day, and a while back she encouraged her hairdresser (an avid cake-maker) to create special birthday cakes for the program's once-a-month birthday celebrations.

But Marion has gone even more above-and-beyond the call of volunteer duty, by securing annual donations to the program from her former workplace, Bell Canada. Each year, she applies for a $500 donation, and each year, "they send me a nice letter and a nice cheque for CHATS."

The donations make a big difference to the program, says Marion. "It really helps – we'd only just break even otherwise. The donations allow us to do some little extras for them," such as lunch out at the Mandarin, a boat cruise in Midland, a day-trip to St. Jacob's, and a Christmas party, to name a few.

"We're one big ole happy family," Marion says with a laugh.

CHATS truly values Marion for her dedication to volunteering, and in fact, she was recently bestowed with the annual Volunteer Recognition Award by the City of Vaughan for her work with CHATS. Nominated by the clients in her program, Marion was thrilled, yet took it all in stride. "It's really so nice; I don't know if I deserve it – a lot of people do a lot of work, but I guess it's my turn!"