Volunteer of the Month, Lorri Donaldson Sponsored by Royal Oak by Peri Hayes
For approximately 30 years, Lorri Donaldson has been volunteering in various capacities: “I’ve been a volunteer board member with a daycare, participated in community fundraisers, was part of the Walking School Bus and I coordinated a volunteer program for Children’s Aid for over 10 years. Volunteering has always been a part of my life.” Lorri has been active with Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Thomas-Elgin since 2019. Her involvement entails two facets: being an in-school mentor and a facilitator of the Go Girls Group. “I love my work; it resonates with me and I think it’s really important that kids have these opportunities.” As an in-school mentor, Lorri is paired with children in the elementary school setting wherein she offers one-on-one support and encouragement. “Perhaps these children are at risk of educational achievement due to personal roadblocks inhibiting their academic success,” Lorri suggests. In visiting the school on a weekly basis, Lorri has flexibly carved time for reading, enjoying a game or a craft, and conversing with her student.. “This is a resource to bring people together, and to have this dedicated time with these children who might not have these opportunities in other settings,” Lorri voices. Meanwhile, the Go Girls Group is an eight-week in-school support program for young females. Focused on healthy living, self-care, positive self-image and relationship building, this group gathers once a week over their lunch break in a safe space to reflect on any challenges being faced and to celebrate strengths. These students are provided activity sheets to utilize as a curriculum. Lorri delightedly details, “This group is open and supportive. We have discussion time, play games and eat yummy snacks. This is time for the girls to connect with peers and be their creative selves, enriching their sense of community. There are usually about seven to eight students who participate, with two volunteers leading the group.”
Furthermore, Lorri describes what inspires her work: “Being in these mentoring roles, I recognize that resilience plays such a role in children’s lives. When they feel supported, it empowers them to be the best that they can be. To be someone who believes in them and can make a positive impact is what drew me to the mentoring position at Big Brothers Big Sisters. Seeing these children blossom is very rewarding.” Passionate about the importance of volunteer service, Lorri highlights: “Volunteering builds strong communities and connects people. There are so many organizations doing amazing work, with volunteers helping to carry out their mission. If I can play a part in making my community a better place to be, I want to.” “I encourage anyone who has thought of volunteering to make that call or send that email to the organization that interests you,” Lorri warmly concludes, “Having an impact on others’ lives feels good, to know that you’re helping someone. This is 100% worth the time and the effort, and you get back way more. Kindness is something that I value, and my volunteer work allows me to connect in genuine and sometimes life-changing ways. What is better than that?” With inquiries about volunteer service positions, phone Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Thomas-Elgin at 519-633-3830.
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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • September 2025 Page 5
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