MANITOWANING—Being a volunteer is beneficial not only to the community, but to the person who is volunteering their time and effort, says volunteer Alice Pennie.
“We volunteer because it’s for a good cause, it’s good for the community and it’s good for me to keep me involved. It gives me a reason to do things and keep active.”
Ms. Pennie, a Haweater, along with her husband Burke still operate a small farm in Assiginack Township.
“I have spent most of my life being on the board or taking part in the Manitoulin 4-H Association,” said Ms. Pennie. “I’ve spent most of my life being involved in 4-H,” she said, noting that she is currently the treasurer of the association. She has served as its president and in other roles over the years.
“I volunteer for the Knox United Church in Manitowaning with their rummage sales. I help with pricing and sorting of items for the sale,” said Ms. Pennie. “It is such a good thing to do, and we get people from everywhere on the Island who come to purchase items, or to bring items for the sale. It also keeps recycling items from going into the local landfill.”
Ms. Pennie is a member of the Manitowaning Museum Advisory Committee and a member of the Manitowaning Agriculture Society, the latter of which hosts the annual fall fair among its activities. “My family has always been involved in the fall fair. Even when we were kids we took part. It’s a long-standing tradition.”
Ms. Pennie and her husband Burke have four children, all who live on Manitoulin Island, although one just moved to Sudbury on a temporary basis. The couple have nine grandchildren.
“Our grandkids are all involved in sports so much, and it keeps their families very busy,” said Ms. Pennie.
Ms. Pennie said volunteering “is a good way to socialize, meet new people and make new friends. And it keeps me busy and acting in the community, to benefit the community.”
“Volunteering I feel is just a part of life,” stated Ms. Pennie.
“People are willing to help out if they are asked,” said Ms. Pennie. “There are a lot of newcomers to the area and they would help out if they were contacted. And those that are new to the community should approach the different groups if they are interested in volunteering. All these groups could use more volunteers.”
“You volunteer because it benefits the community,” said Ms. Pennie. “And it is very important to keep groups and activities going in the community,” she said noting, “the fall fair will be celebrating its 150th anniversary in a couple of years. It is important to keep events like this going+ and have activities for everyone to take part in.”
“If anyone wants to get involved in the agricultural society, they should contact one of the board members indicating they want to be involved,” continued Ms. Pennie.
Ms. Pennie added, “The Municipality of Assiginack has partnered with the Manitowaning Agricultural Society and we are now having euchre parties once a week on Tuesday afternoons at the arena in Manitowaning. It’s a great way to socialize and make new friends.”
