KAGAWONG—For Joellen Sloss, her first encounter with volunteering came when she was a kid and has certainly continued throughout her adult life, having been a volunteer in many different organizations and capacities for many years.
“My first encounter with volunteering was when I was a kid living on Lakeshore Road (in Kagawong) and seeing individuals coming to our farm to collect produce from our garden in the late 1960s and early 1970s. At the time I wasn’t sure what they were going to do with the potatoes, canned goods and baking, but later in life I realized these individuals provided direction and financial assistance without being asked for and without knowing it was needed,” said Ms. Sloss.
“When my work relocated me to the Gore Bay area I was asked by Ron Lane to join the Gore Bay Rotary Club—22 years ago,” said Ms. Sloss. She explained, “I debated the weekly commitment, however parental advice (from her mother) was given and accepted, and I was honoured to join the Rotary Club. I still enjoy rolling up my sleeves and pitching in to help make our produce auctions and fish frys successful fundraising events.”
Joellen has held virtually every position with the Rotary Club—she is the current president of the club, the second time she has been in this post.
“Shortly after I came to know Dorothy Fields, who asked me to join the Hope Farm Board, which is now known as Community Living Manitoulin,” said Ms. Sloss. She pointed out, “for years a group of us hauled a canoe to all the summer events on the Island selling tickets, raising money to assist those when the need arose. We also hosted many chili luncheons.”
“During my 10 plus years with Community Living, I had the opportunity to participate in the four evening fundraiser events on Treasure Island,” she continued. “This event, spear-headed by Doug Boyle, was extremely successful, although everyone was busy preparing and organizing, the fun had by all volunteers during the event was amazing.”
Ms. Sloss has also tried to include her family in volunteering as much as possible. “I tried to include my family as much as I could, as much as they allowed me. I helped my son canvas for Easter Seals by going door to door requesting pledges for the ‘Skate with the (Sudbury) Wolves’ event where Easter Seal children spent an afternoon on the ice with the Sudbury Wolves. We participated in this event for a few years, and one year Darron was the top fundraiser and won season’s tickets to the Wolves games.”
“I still hear about my coaxing him to trade with a child from Sudbury who was a die-hard Wolves fan for an autographed jersey, as we were not able to make many games. The Wolves made it to the finals that year,” she noted.
Ms. Sloss last year, “had an opportunity to assist my daughter Alison who organized a very successful ‘Walk for Alzheimer’s’ event in Little Current, and I am being recruited for this year’s walk in June.”
For the past 6-7 years, Joellen has been a familiar face at the Manitoulin Special Olympics ball tournament held in August. “You will see me manning the food both, which was sponsored by the Espanola and District Credit Union. And of course being included in the dance that follows the ball playing. I am always amazed at the player’s energy level both on the ball field and on the dance floor.”
Joellen sat on the Espanola and District Credit Union board for nine years, and was recently elected to Northern Credit Union’s board of directors.
“Over the years I have canvassed for the Cancer Society, sat on the Manitoulin Child Care board, and have assisted the Gore Bay Lions Club during their annual consignment auction,” said Ms. Sloss.
Ms. Sloss explained, “volunteering has given me an opportunity to meet so many people, those who know you are probably going to ask for something when they see you and those who remember you each year when you give water and refreshments to them. It’s times when these individuals recognize you and take time to chat with you that make volunteering so worthwhile. I think it is very important to ensure you are having fun-this makes volunteering very rewardable. We never know when we or someone close to us may have the need for a little assistance.”
