SILVER WATER—“It’s important that everyone help out when and where you can to keep things like the church and community going,” stated Donna Kay McDonald, a volunteer from Silver Water.
“When we lived in Espanola Doug (her husband) and I belonged to the Royal Purple Elks, he in the Elks and me in the Royal Purple woman’s group. We volunteered with them for close to 25 years,” said Ms. McDonald.
Donna Kay is originally from Silver Water and her husband Doug is originally from Meldrum Bay. “While we were with the Elks we helped with catering, helping with dinners and fundraising-with all the funds going to different associations, groups, individuals and good causes,” she said. “It’s the same thing up here in Silver Water we all work together.”
Donna Kay is in her second year as president of the United Church Women’s Group. “We hold meetings the first Wednesday of each month. We have about 18 members and each of us take turns holding meetings at our houses or meeting at the United Church.”
“If a lunch is needed to be provided after a funeral I will get a call to help arrange the meal,” she told the Recorder. “We have a list of ladies and I’ll check to see who is on the list to provide help on any given month. We also have at least two ladies ready to fill in the role every month.
“For example, the Angel Bus will bring residents from the (Manitoulin Lodge) nursing home (in Gore Bay) the last Sunday of every month. Gloria Hall brings them up for church and will bring a lunch. We will set up the tables and provide tea and coffee for them. If there is a special birthday or anniversary party taking place to celebrate we will provide the tea and coffee and get everything set up for them.”
“Doug and I are still members of the Gore Bay Fish and Game Club,” said Ms. McDonald, “and with Joyce (McDonald) and Chris Robinson we used to help put on fundraising dinners.”
Ms. McDonald pointed out, “in Silver Water most of the residents are retired, so we all help each other out when there is a need. For instance Murray and Gladys Duncanson had been away in St. Catharines, so Doug and I, mostly Doug, looked after their place while they are away.”
“Volunteering is very important,” stated Ms. McDonald. “When everyone in the community works together it helps out everyone.”
