Volunteer Stories
People just like you have found meaningful ways to give back at the Olde Forge. Read their stories and discover how you can make a difference and feed your passions through volunteering.
Archie was born in Victoria Cove, Gander Bay Newfoundland. He is the eldest of a family of 8 (4 boys and 4 girls!) His father worked in the lumber camps and his mother looked after the chores at home. Archie remembers how much his mother loved her garden and caring for her cows, pigs, sheep and hens. Archie has fond memories of home- recalling that his mother "always had an extra plate on the table". He was 13 years old when he stood on a chair to help his mother knead bread for the first time when her arthritis was bad.
After 30 years as a volunteer driver with the Olde Forge, Doug Drew, the man with the beautiful music playing in his car, has decided to retire! The actual number of volunteer hours Doug has given over the past 30 years is hard to calculate (his time with us pre-dates our database) but from the information we have, the number is well over 10,000 hours!
Do you remember the 90s sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond?" Well, with all of the 90's TV re-boots showing up these days, we at the Olde Forge Feel like we should re-boot this show ourselves and call it "Everybody Loves Ray"! If you haven't met Ray Brisebois, you need to take a trip to the Olde Forge because you are truly missing out!
A volunteer since January 2017, Gisele started in the Luncheon Program and shines at the desk and any administrative work thrown her way. She is an integral part of the billing process as she has excellent attention to detail from her past career at Scotiabank.
Marilyn started in June 2006 in the luncheon and Day programs. She is a "Jacquelin of all trades" - she has helped with admin, fold and stuff, at the reception desk and currently the main volunteer for footcare. She is caring and efficient and a true ambassador for Olde Forge in addition to acting as official photographer for many of our events.