PROVIDENCE BAY—Ann Orford of Providence Bay is a dedicated, committed member of the community in Central Manitoulin.
A Haweater, Anna Sloss was born on Manitoulin Island, attended Manitoulin Secondary School and married Don Orford of Spring Bay. Anna is mother to four children and grandmother to seven. She currently serves as a member of the Providence Bay and Spring Bay Lions Club, the Ride Manitoulin Motorcycle Rally committee, Mindemoya Hospital Auxiliary and Providence Bay Community Centre board.
Anna has an unflappable demeanor, always ready with a big smile. She is a rock star; solid and eager to assist or offer suggestions to get the job done. Anna is responsive, acting on requests and patiently offering help to those who need it.
This writer has had the privilege of working with Anna over the last few years. She tirelessly offers her assistance and expertise with everything she volunteers for. You can rest assured, if Anna says she will do something, she will do it. If she is not able to complete the task herself, she will find someone who can! Anna has a wealth of knowledge of the community and its needs. She is the go-to person when anything is to be accomplished in the community.
Over 1,000 little bags have been completed for the Mindemoya Hospital Auxiliary with Anna cutting the fabric, sewing and putting them together, all just in this past year. These little bags are filled with necessary toiletries for overnight visitors to the hospital. Anna invites friends to assist her in putting these bags together, providing a hot cup of tea and a freshly baked goodie from her kitchen.
It was Anna who commandeered the concession booth at the Providence Bay Arena to provide hot coffee, chocolate, hotdogs and popcorn to the skaters and hockey players. She worked Saturday and Sunday afternoons, being sure all the public skaters had refreshment.
Anna is a charter member of the Providence Bay and Spring Bay Lions Club, acting as treasurer and an active volunteer. She never misses a meeting, energetically participating and contributing to all discussions and planning. Working hand-in-hand with others in the community, it was Anna who planned the Lions Club’s annual yard sale in the summer to fundraise for the community. Anna worked with the committee and volunteered countless hours in conjunction with “Let Them Be Kids” to get the new playground equipment on the beach at Providence Bay.
The Ride Manitoulin Motorcycle Rally also has Anna as a committee member. This rally has visitors to Manitoulin Island from all over Ontario and the northern United States. There is a lot of work in planning this rally each year and Anna tirelessly volunteers to gather sponsors from local businesses. On the weekend of the rally you will be sure to see Anna helping at the gate or volunteering with the Lions Club at the beer garden.
Anna is a valued member of the community and a strong leader. She is not just concerned about people and the well being of the area, but gets in and does something about it.
