Photo Karen Graham.
Pictured is Andy Stevenson in his new workshop where he creates a variety of decorative and kitchen items of wood used in fundraising activities for Millbrook Community Care.
This enthusiastic volunteer was recently recognized for his twenty years of service to our local community care organization. For many years his primary responsibility at Community Care has been to help seniors and those with disabilities by setting up distress alarms and helping them learn how to use them. For the client it simply requires pushing a button, but the impact of this technology is liberating to the client and their families who know that this button connects them to help when it is needed.
The distress alarm program has recently been outsourced, but Andy has funneled his love of woodworking into a new way to support Community Care. He creates hand-crafted items out of wood including charcuterie boards, salad bowls, salt and pepper shakers and other kitchen gadgets in his spanking new workshop in the basement of his new home. These items find their way to raffles and prizes in fundraising efforts for the organization and allows Andy to make a dent in the extensive supply of specialty wood stored in his shop.
Last month Andy was featured on the front page of Peterborough Community Care’s quarterly publication called The Thread. He and Peter Darling are founding members of the organization’s new legacy fundraising initiative called the Circle of Care which encourages supporters to provide the organization with a gift in their wills. Raising support for this organization is not a tough sell because most people recognize the importance of the services provided to help seniors stay in their homes and live healthier and happier lives. Many also realize that someday they might be on the receiving end of these services. Thanks to Andy and the many other volunteers who give selflessly to help seniors in our community stay safe, active and connected in their homes. KG