Mother and daughter volunteers, Donna Vasko and Leah Hornby, have been with the Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary for the past few years at the Thrift Shop. Donna has been involved for four years and works on the Thrift Shop floor, helping customers and arranging merchandise.
Leah got involved with the Auxiliary more recently, about two years ago, after hearing about the positive experience that her mother was having at the Thrift Shop. She now volunteers sorting merchandise and running the cash register. Donna inspired the value of volunteerism in her children at a young age. Leah has been involved with Girl Guides of Canada for over 30 years and continues to be a guide.
Donna believes that there is a need for volunteerism in the community and hopes to see the Thrift Shop and its volunteer membership expand in the future so that they can continue to meet the growing needs for services in the community. Similar to her mother, Leah sees the value of volunteerism in Merritt.
She encourages those that have spare time and are looking for something to get involved in, to consider volunteering with the Auxiliary. Even without experience working in a Thrift Shop or volunteering, one of the benefits is the training that is provided to new volunteers. Whether they are volunteering separately or together, Donna and Leah always bring cheerfulness to the Thrift Shop that is appreciated by customers and their fellow volunteers.
What impact do you think the Auxiliary has on the community? “It has a huge impact. There are a lot of families in Merritt that can use our services.” – Leah
What is your favourite thing about volunteering with the Auxiliary? “Being able to know that everything that comes in goes back to the community and back to the people that really need it.” – Donna
