SHEET HARBOUR — As the year draws to a close, Vickie MacDonald isn’t counting hours worked or recognition earned. Instead, the longtime Sheet Harbour resident is reflecting on a life of volunteering – and the simple rewards that come with helping others.
Born and raised in Sheet Harbour, MacDonald still lives in the community with her husband, David, where they raised their children. Even while working full time, she said she always found time to give back.
“I looked after the cafeteria at the local high school,” MacDonald said in a telephone interview with The Journal, adding she also began doing casual work at Eastern Shore Memorial Hospital.
Eventually, she took on a full-time role at the hospital, spending 25 years working as both an aide and a cook.
“I did all the jobs there – whatever I was asked to do – and I loved it,” she said.
With cooking one of her passions, MacDonald often uses those skills when helping. She said her interest began early, attending church suppers with her parents, who also helped regularly.
“My parents were always volunteering, and I was always going with them,” she said. “Ever since I was old enough to help, that’s just what we did.”
Over time, helping with clean-up evolved into cooking and serving meals, something MacDonald said she continues to enjoy.
“If someone calls me up asking for three pies, I just do it,” she said. “I like to do it.”
When her children were younger, MacDonald was active with Beavers and later served as a Scout leader. She has also been involved with the parent-teacher association, taught Sunday school and coached Little League.
When her husband volunteered with the local fire department, MacDonald became involved with the Firettes, a group formed by the firefighters’ wives.
“When the volunteers were out fighting a fire or responding to an emergency for an extended time, we would prepare a meal or do whatever we could to support them,” she said.
These days, MacDonald helps out with her church and at the Royal Canadian Legion Courcelette Branch 58, whenever needed, and is a member of the Sheet Harbour Lions Club, where she pitches in at events ranging from fundraisers to seniors activities.
“In the spring we have a spring fling with a penny auction, bake sale and canteen,” she said. “We also host the Seaside Festival and seniors games, where we serve lunch.”
She works with Meals on Wheels, helping deliver meals to seniors in the area once every six weeks.
“The hospital supplies the meals, and we pick them up and deliver them,” she said. “On average we deliver 10 to 12 meals each time.”
She said the work gives her a sense of purpose and connection to people in her community who rely on the service. Delivering meals, she added, is about more than food – it’s also about checking in on people and making sure they are doing well.
Asked what she enjoys most about volunteering, MacDonald said it’s the sense of connection it creates.
“Seeing people enjoy themselves, seeing them come in and socialize – it just makes you feel good,” she said.
And although her husband, David, a carpenter by trade, isn’t an “official volunteer,” MacDonald noted he always helps out when needed.
“He says he doesn’t have to join any groups because I volunteer him enough,” she said with a chuckle. “When a gazebo was being built for a celebration of Canada’s anniversary, he and our two sons volunteered and did it. I can call on him any time.”
For those looking to fill their time, or who may be feeling bored or lonely, MacDonald said she would encourage them to consider volunteering.
“Some days I wonder how I ever worked, because I’m going all the time if I want to – and I do want to,” she said. “You meet so many people volunteering. It always makes you feel good when you help somebody or raise money for a good cause.”
She said the rewards of volunteering are endless and affordable.
“You don’t have to be wealthy to volunteer,” she said. “You give your time, and it doesn’t cost a thing.”
