A Story Shared, A Connection Made
“Back in the fall of 1998, life handed me an unexpected pause. I was off work due to an injury and found myself with time to reflect and look for something meaningful to do. Living nearby, I had watched Reena Battle Centre being built on Clark Avenue. Something about it drew me in—I had a feeling that volunteering there would be the right fit.”
“I wasn’t sure what I could contribute, especially since my experience with individuals with developmental disabilities was limited. But I knew I wanted to learn, to grow, and hopefully, to give something back. That’s when I first walked through Reena’s doors—and I never looked back.
It all started with a book.
One day, I brought a bright, colourful picture book with me. As I opened it, I noticed the individuals around me light up at the vibrant illustrations. That moment became my inspiration. I began curating stories—sometimes about the seasons, sometimes about holidays, often about family and feelings—that sparked interest and discussion.
The Bathurst-Clark Library, just across the street, became my treasure chest. I’d wander the aisles with no real plan, simply letting my eyes land on books I thought might capture imaginations. Stories with vivid pictures, humour, or meaningful messages became our favourites.
Over time, these reading sessions became something more than just an activity. They created calm. They sparked laughter. They opened the door for conversations that connected us all. With Allan and the incredible Reena staff by my side—always helping to make everyone comfortable—we even introduced a microphone to make sure every word could be heard clearly.
Being a volunteer at Reena is a true win-win. I’ve witnessed struggles, but also so much joy, resilience, and community. For me, the simple act of sharing a story has enriched my life as much as it has theirs. Because that’s the magic of a great book: it creates common ground, turns an ordinary day into something extraordinary, and reminds us all that stories have the power to connect us.
And after more than 25 years, I’m still grateful for every story we’ve shared together.”