Celebrating Volunteerism – Marilyn

Volunteer Champion – Marilyn Paterson

Marilyn Paterson felt the joy of helping others when she began volunteering with Wesley. She was a part of Chalmers Church back then – now Trinity Presbyterian Church – and heard about the opportunity. She’s been volunteering with Wesley since then – helping out with a variety of activities and events.

Marilyn started with Wesley in the late 1990’s. She remembers travelling around to register families for the Holiday Store. She did so with pencil and paper as that was the method for registration back then.

She gave knitted items to families. Marilyn enjoyed seeing how happy the families were to receive their gifts, which gave her a nice feeling. She knew she was helping so many people.

She knew how important the knitted items were during the wintertime. She hand-knitted a lot of those herself – including crocheting.

Marilyn’s history with knitting and giving back goes back to when she grew up in Scotland. In school, at the age of five, she knitted socks for those who needed them. She was a Girl Guide leader.

When she moved to Canada in 1965, she joined Chalmers Church. She was making donations. Marilyn’s always been very involved in the community. “Something that’s born in me,” she said.

That includes all the things she’s done at Wesley. Marilyn has been involved in the Case for Kids walk, food drives, the backpack program and Sunday dinners.

As she did so, she felt the incredible support from her church. She encouraged her fellow church members to donate knitted scarves, hats, and mitts for children and adults in November. They did so, as well as making monetary donations.

Marilyn’s involvement with Wesley also includes the Holiday Store each year. She helps set up the store and gives out knitted items. She’s also gotten the Scouts involved. Over time, she’s gotten to know those she volunteers alongside.

It’s a happy feeling for her to work with them. Marilyn thinks of fellow long-time volunteers Mary McCrackenand Cathy Scott. She knows how well they fit together, as they’re all there for the same purpose and willing to help each other out.

Marilyn’s family has also supported her efforts. Her grandchildren have helped set up the store. “It’s a nice feeling knowing they’re participating with me or supporting what I’m doing,” she said.

That feeling stays with Marilyn through all the years and events she’s been a part of. She knows helping people is part of the Wesley function.

Her efforts were recognized in 2014 when Wesley nominated her for Senior Volunteer of the Year to the City of Hamilton. Marilyn recalls how nice it felt to be there with all the other nominated volunteers during the ceremony.

Marilyn continues to support Wesley – including her 75 plus hours every year with the Holiday Store.  She continues to collect donations at her church. She’s now thinking of ways she can encourage those at her retirement residence she just joined to contribute. She knows they have a knitting group.

Her motivation to help others stays with her. She called it part of her lifestyle – a good part of her life. “It gives me a good feeling that I’m helping people and socializing,” she said.

The impact of the work done by volunteers like Marilyn is significant. For more information, visit Wesley.ca