Selfless Server

In March, I attended an event in Barrie supporting Camphill Communities Ontario. What Camphill does in our community for raising the self-respect, and creating independence and community for challenged individuals is quite remarkable! While I could write much more about this group, today my focus is on the honouree for that evening: That honouree is Donna.

Donna is an accomplished journalist, editor, author, community activist, organizer and facilitator of over 1000 self-employed business owners. She has a tremendous track record! More important is her life as a wife, mother and grandmother.

There are so many more who know this woman better than I. That being said, what I can say is in the 30 years I’ve watched her, she is the epitome of a selfless server. A room of close to 200 honoured her and spoke of her accomplishments. When it was her turn to receive, she demonstrated why she is so deserving. Rather than speak of herself, she continued to recognize and thank others. It’s who she is. She lives by example. She does what she does not for personal recognition, not for accolades, and not for “likes” on Facebook.

It was so refreshing to see someone who truly loves and connects people. I like to say that coming together in unity is “community”. It certainly is for her. As she said, make a life through doing what you love, not doing it for the paycheck.

In this age of selfies, self-aggrandizement, and plagiarism it is such a great reminder to get in the game of life and get the work done. Not for others to see you but to really “do good” for the sake of doing good!

Some keepsakes I took away that evening after listening to Donna were to:

• Keep life real.

• Learn other people’s stories because there are gems and lessons within.

• Honour your passions.

• Always thank others.

• Give your heart fully to things you love, and you’ll be provided with plenty.

So, thank you Donna! You are a mentor to me and so many others!!