Volunteer Profiles

Dave S.

Dave started volunteering at Deer Lodge Centre in December of 2002. Since his son Andrew needed to volunteer for school credit, Dave thought he would also offer his services. While Andrew has completed his volunteer commitment and has since moved on, Dave continues to volunteer and is willing to help out where ever needed.

Dave volunteers primarily by transporting residents and patients to the Worship service on Sunday mornings and to the recreational programs on weekday evenings. He is also always willing to help out more often when needed, as he "can never say no!"

Dave believes "when doing something, to go through with it all the way, not only halfway". This belief of Dave's is demonstrated by his commitment to volunteering, by coming an average of three times a week to Deer Lodge Centre, and always ready for the adventure that lies ahead.

Making lots of new friends and learning about other peoples' life experiences (especially from the elderly) is what Dave enjoys the most about volunteering at Deer Lodge Centre. He believes everything is a life learning experience.

As well as raising his two sons, working full time and volunteering at Deer Lodge, Dave has made himself known in the artistic community. Classified as a semi-professional artist, Dave enjoys creating carvings out of soap stone as well as painting in oil and acrylic. Dave's work is on display in the Winnipeg Centennial Concert Hall until August 30, 2003. His work is also selling at The Lion and The Rose Gallery on Corydon Avenue. A sample of his creations can be also be viewed and purchased on his website, www.3dstonecarver.com.

Recently Dave gave another gift to the Centre in addition to his time. He has created a carving in pink alabaster that he calls "Redemption". It depicts a faceless figure, hence Anyone, in a kneeling position in front of a cross. It will be used as a focal point for worship, and as a symbol for an eventual reflection on forgiveness within the context of worship. We are very grateful to Dave, for in offering this gift, he offers something of himself, his own understanding of forgiveness that lives in his own heart and spirit

Dave looks forward to this September when his other son Tony will start to volunteer at Deer Lodge. Dave feels that volunteering at Deer Lodge is a "good start for kids. It's good for them to see things from the other side of the fence, so to speak. The experience also allows them to gain confidence, take responsibility and also to do career exploration."

Thank you Dave for all of your great work at Deer Lodge Centre!