North Delta resident Belinda So has been named Deltassist’s volunteer of the year.
At the society’s annual general meeting on Sept. 20, So was given the 2017 Karen Johnson Volunteer of the Year Award for her hard work and tireless dedication.
Board vice-president Rod Binder sang So’s praises, saying she “truly gives dedication and commitment a new meaning.”
“Belinda is one of the hardest-working individuals you will meet,” Binder said. “She quickly became a favourite amongst our staff and clients. When clients came into our office, they were met with a kindness, compassion and a smile. She goes the extra mile to make sure that anyone who walks through our doors not only receives the help they are seeking, but are treated with the utmost respect and care that they deserve.”’
So began volunteering with Deltassist in late 2015 around the same time she was finishing cancer treatment. She hadn’t worked for some time due to her illness, and came across Deltassist while searching the internet for part-time volunteer opportunities in the area.
“I [was looking] to do something to keep myself busy,” So said. “Why not volunteer, right? Learn something new, learn something different.”
A phone call or two later and So was behind the desk helping at reception. Though she knew very little about what Deltassist did when she started, So quickly familiarized herself with everything the society does.
“It’s helping people in the community,” she said. “You see people that you help, you guide them in some ways….It’s a learning experience.”
So volunteers at Deltassist twice a week, spending her Tuesday mornings working reception and her Wednesday mornings helping with the society’s bread gleaning program (which packages and distributes excess bread from Monte Cristo Bakery, and she volunteers every weekend at her church.
She’s done such a good job that Deltassist recently hired her as an auxiliary staff member, meaning she’s second in line for on-call work should the society need an extra hand.
“One of our staff members summed up Belinda beautifully as ‘one of the most loveliest people I have ever met.’ That’s a direct quote,” Binder said. “Deltassist is enriched by Belinda’s giving of her time, her passion, and we thank her for making Deltassist a better place to be.”
editor@northdeltareporter.com
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