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.
Described as the "silver-lining" and an "angel" for our senior clients during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nicholas Scott, a grade 11 student at Nepean High School, is going above and beyond to bring sunshine and smiles to the lives of many isolated and vulnerable seniors. Since joining the Olde Forge he has been committed to supporting the virtual Adult Day 
Program on weekly Zoom calls where he has helped to encourage conversations and discussions. He has also asssisted the program manager in the development of other virutal programs such as trivia games, jok and storytelling sessions, and even performs virtual concerts on his clarinet. Nicholas has also taken on the role as a Friendly Conversation volunteer with the Olde Forge. His kind and caring demeanor is an excellent match for a postiion that involves calling, checking in and encouraging fun and engaging conversations with an isolated senior in need. Nicholas has added another outreach initiative to his paready busy schedule. He has begun performing personal driveway concerts for seniors in his community. Even at the tender age of 17, he is a true champion for vulnerable seniors in our community and has been a beacon of light and hope for so many during these difficult and uncertain times.