VOLUNTEERING AT WELLSPRING
Respectfully submitted: Marj Shiels
My first thought was “Where have “TWENTY YEARS” gone?”
Originally, I was approached by a couple of my nurse friends, who were on the ground floor in the planning stages of Wellspring. It sounded like a much need organization for our Niagara area, so I said “count me in”. I had been volunteering for many years and enjoyed being able to help others. It gave me a feeling of self- satisfaction to be able to give back.
I am proud of the accomplishments of Wellspring through the years. As a volunteer we worked hard to raise money to reach our goals. We had Fashion Shows, which I was a part of and enjoyed getting dressed up and “strutting the runway”. The Gala Entertainment nights with our talented Mantini Sisters and top name entertainers. The evening started with wonderful appetizers and wine and a delicious dinner. Other fund raising events too numerous to mention all. It was always great fun working with other volunteers planning and attending these events and happy with our profitable results.
I enjoyed working at Wellspring with the capable, knowledgeable, helpful staff and who have been the back bone of why Wellspring has been successful. They are always there with advice and the answers to our questions. Always patient when learning new IT equipment (for me the new telephone system!)
My personal appreciation came when my husband was diagnosed with cancer and we attended several of the programs offered at Wellspring. My husband was very pleased with the friendly, caring and thoughtful facilitators who ran the programs and the comforting talks with them and especially Anne, who always took special interest in the members.
Through my experiences with family and friends who have suffered cancer, and my association with the Hospital I highly recommended and suggested Wellspring for mental and spiritual help. I have cheered with our successful members and grieved with our lost members. All had positive association with programs offered at Wellspring.
My twenty years of volunteering at Wellspring has given me the opportunity to make many new friends. As a front desk volunteer, I help members make appointments for their chosen programs and explain any new ones that may be suited to their particular problem. I enjoy the time spent with members over coffee and a treat and a chance for casual chit chat and a happy exchange of smiles and chuckles, everyone relaxes over simple conversation and a refreshing cup of tea or coffee.
I have seen our first small facility grow to include a satellite office in Stevensville with all our programs at full to capacity. Then through local donations and our fund raising we are now in our new, up to date beautiful current facility.
The volunteer socials are always looked forward to and well attended. We have had Xmas cookie exchanges, memorials, bridal and baby showers, retirements, even meetings end up being social.
During my 55 plus, combined years of volunteering I feel I have accomplished something that makes me feel good, and happy about myself being able to give back. Especially as I “age” I can appreciate the need and the results of volunteering both mentally and spiritually. Volunteering has been a fulfillment in my life.
I have missed my days at Wellspring and I am looking forward to when we can all be together again and give of ourselves for the benefit to others. We have brought comfort and peace to so many people through our programs and discussion groups.
We have touched many hearts throughout the Niagara area.