Volunteer Appreciation Day
Today, we honour those who believe in all work and no pay.
Find out what moves them to take action.
Hear how they give, but get more in return.
Listen to their stories below and be inspired to start making a difference in our community.
Supported By
Disability Tax Consultants of Canada
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VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DAY: Willy Stevenson, Aaron's M.I.L.L
Willy Stevenson has established himself as one the most well-known musicians in Brockville and area dating back to when he was in the band that was here for the opening of the old Wilco Thousand Islands Mall in 1973. On top of that, Willy said he started playing at the Brockville Arts Centre when he was 10, which means its been over five decades for him as a musician. Willy's son Aaron shared his father's passion for music, which lead to Willy, his wife Kelly, oldest son Austin and a few of Aaron's friends creating the not-for-profit, Do It For Aaron Foundation (DIFA) after he (Aaron) tragically died in September 2013. What started out as a summer festival has turned into a musical instrument lending library for seven years running inside Stinger's Indoor Paintball at 125 Stewart Blvd.Click below for the full interview:
Story by Harper Cotie
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VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DAY: Mona Schuller, Cycling Without Age
Mona Schuller is a retired resident of Brockville and a dedicated volunteer with Cycling Without Age – Brockville, a not-for-profit program run entirely by volunteers. Schuller has been involved with the program for several years and spends much of her time helping local seniors enjoy the outdoors once again. Cycling Without Age – Brockville offers free rides to seniors and people with mobility issues on a special three-wheeled bike called a trishaw. The one-hour rides travel along the Brock Trails, through the railway tunnel and along quiet streets in and around the city. Schuller continues to dedicate her time to the Brockville program, helping seniors reconnect with their community.
For more information about Cycling Without Age – Brockville, visit Brockville – Cycling Without Age.
Listen to the complete interview with Mona below:
Story by: Evan Gibb
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VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DAY: Frank Kennedy, Brockville and Area Food Bank
Frank Kennedy is a Brockville resident whose been a volunteer at the Brockville and Area Food Bank for close to six years now. He does everything from driving the delivery truck to stocking the shelves at 58 Buell Street. Frank said every little bit of help for the food bank is welcomed and appreciated. He also stressed that the food bank is way too small and is very much in need of a bigger space, especially with the growing needs.
Visit brockvilleandareafoodbank.ca to learn more, donate, or to become a volunteer.
Full interview available below:
Story by Harper Cotie
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VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DAY: Nicole Kehoe, Beacon Bags
Nicole Kehoe is a dedicated volunteer with Beacon Bags in Cardinal, a non-profit group supporting women and girls who have escaped human trafficking. Kehoe is a wife and mother of two adult children. She also works full time as a production manager at Ross Video in Iroquois. Despite her busy schedule, she has volunteered with Beacon Bags for more than four years. Beacon Bags is a volunteer-run organization founded in 2017. It provides bags filled with basic necessities to women and girls who have escaped trafficking situations. The group’s long-term goal is to open an emergency shelter to help increase the number of survivors who can access long-term care and support resources.
Beacon Bags continues its efforts to eliminate human trafficking and support survivors across Ontario.
More information is available at Beacon Bags – Ontario Approved Professionals.
You can listen to the entire interview with Nicole below:
Story by: Evan Gibb
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VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DAY: Mike Libbos, Brockville 50+ Activity Centre
A retired Brockville husband and father is continuing to make a difference through years of volunteer service in his community. Mike Libbos has spent about eight years volunteering with the Brockville 50+ Activity Centre, a volunteer-based, not-for-profit organization and registered charity. The centre is fully run by volunteers and offers affordable programs to help adults 50 and over stay mentally, physically and socially active. Libbos first connected with the centre when he signed up for a Tai Chi class. Learning about the work involved behind the scenes inspired him to get involved. He said he values Tai Chi and knows programs like it only exist in Brockville because volunteers give their time.
For more information on the 50+ Activity Centre visit: https://fiftyplusbrockville.ca/
Listen to the full interview with Mike below:
Story by: Evan Gibb