Thoughts Along the Path . . .

A few weeks ago I learned that the Township has named me Senior of the Year as part of a province-wide initiative. Grateful as I am, I can think of other people within our community, not just seniors, who contribute time, energy, and skill in many ways. I also realize that whatever the time commitment or the activity, there are reasons why we do it.

To learn more, I asked three people in North Dumfries who volunteer in distinct ways about what motivates them, how they keep going, and what are they learning. I do not mean to overlook others, but I believe these three stories will resonate with readers of this newspaper. With that in mind, I will summarize my email-based interview with each of them.

AN ANNUAL EVENT WITH A PERSONAL CONNECTION (Ank van Megen)

Ank is among the enthusiastic, committed volunteers for the annual Terry Fox Run/Walk. We all know there is an official day for this event, and not just in Canada. What isn’t so obvious is that throughout the year volunteers are working on logistics, fundraising, media coverage, and many other details. Ank is consistently among the first to say “Yes” whenever something is needed. What motivates her? She is connected through her own medical history. As a two-time cancer survivor, she learned about the Terry Fox event from another cancer survivor. Isn’t that how it works sometimes? Someone has a personal connection, gets involved, and then shares it with others whose life path has taken them in similar directions. Ank’s ongoing commitment to Terry Fox and to fundraising for cancer research even took her to St. John’s, Newfoundland where Terry’s historic run began. Her passion for this event and its goals have become a part of who she is.

LONGTERM PROJECT FOR THE BENEFIT OF OTHERS (Jerrett Bellamy)

Jerrett’s strong history with community involvement includes coaching children’s hockey teams; as a member of a Township Advisory Committee; and as part of a 5-year effort to fund and build the skatepark in Cowan Park. Now several years into yet another long-term project - to fund and build a pump track in Ayr – we might wonder what keeps him going. His love for biking and trails began with his own childhood, and he wants more recreation and sports options for his own children and others. I wish I had space to tell you more, but anyone who has been reading the Ayr News and/or attending community events already knows what has been and continues to be required. When I asked about what he is learning, he emphasized persistence, the power of working with others, and being both focused and strategic. His advice “You need to speak up and take action if you want to see change” are words for all of us to consider.

SHARING PROFESSIONAL SKILLS – CREATIVITY AND LOVE OF NATURE (Erika Brombacher)

Last December I helped decorate downtown Ayr. That was my first time to meet Erika, though with so much going on I barely had a chance to do more than say hello and get to work. I already knew her name through Facebook, the Ayr News, and hearing Township staff mention who helps them with some of their own projects. For many years Erika has been offering her academic and professional expertise in horticulture to our community. Two of her many initiatives are an annual Earth Day event and the Food Forest in Jim Schmidt Memorial Park. Rather than try to list more of her projects, I will tell you that she is motivated by her own family’s concerns for the environment; helping others learn about native plants and their uses; love for her community; a desire to bring joy through hands-on engagement; and sharing her knowledge wherever it is needed. When I think about the challenges of our times, I am thankful for her commitment to creativity and love of nature.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Thank you to Ank, Jerrett, and Erika for allowing me to share their stories. And I want to re-emphasize that our community is rich with others who volunteer and give so much. On a personal note, I will mention that my own motivation for volunteering is often similar to theirs and is well-stated in this advice from the Baha’i writings: “Let deeds not words be your adorning.” Whether we are seen by others or quietly give what we can, we know that offering our time and energy brings joy to others as well as to ourselves.

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Submitted to Ayr News by Jaellayna Palmer August 2025