Commitment to Community:
A Virtual Tribute

"Encouraging positive change" - Linda Seeley

This is a photo of me making my regular bi-weekly platelet donation at Canadian Blood Services London. This volunteer activity began with my first blood donation as a 17-year-old high school student. My father was a regular blood donor who inspired his 4 children to follow in his footsteps. As a former CBS slogan said "Blood: it's in you to give!" I think of this volunteer activity in the context of building safer communities because I truly believe that giving back to our respective communities is a large component of making them 'safer'. When 'good folks' do 'good things', we all benefit and the world is a better place. With over 350 donations of whole blood, plasma or platelets on my record, I am a 'lifetime donor'. It is among the easiest things that I do and I urge everyone eligible to donate blood to experience the pleasure of knowing that they're saving lives every time they make that important donation. If you are restricted from donating blood, then find some other way to contribute voluntarily to your local community. It's easy to go online and find organizations looking for new volunteers. Choose the one that best suits your abilities, passions and available time to commit to its mission and vision. I can guarantee that you will soon know that you are getting more than you give from building your community through your volunteerism! - Submitted by Becky Howse

Doing my internship with SLSC has inspired me to support and learn more about my community. While working with the team here at the organization, I have learned about different communities and groups of people who face adversities in my city. By working together, giving people opportunities to have their voices heard, and supporting others, we can create communities that are safer and more inclusive. - Submitted by Anonymous

People with vision creating positive change. So many dreamers, schemers, and innovators! You’re the best. - Submitted by Elizabeth

I am inspired by the people serving a life sentence at Millhaven maximum security institution who are a part of the Millhaven Lifers Group. Despite their realities and struggles inside, each person we meet with continues to make every effort to be a better person, to improve themselves, and to give back to others. They support each other through successes and challenges, and are determined to persevere as knowledgeable, smart, reasonable people. Better still, they maintain their sense of humour through the hardest of days. They inspire me to carry on in life and in this work to achieve safer communities through camaraderie, solidarity and humanity. - Submitted by Susan Haines

The men that we work with everyday inspire me to be a kinder, more compassionate person and to choose to lift people up versus blame them for their circumstances. We are all part of the solution. – Submitted by Catherine Brooke

SLSC is interconnected to so many inspiring organizations and people, who all share a strong commitment to creating safer communities for all. My commitment to SLSC is inspired by its members, residents/clients, staff, students, volunteers. "The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team." – Phil Jackson – Submitted by Anita Desai

"Not what we give, but what we share, for the gift without the giver is bare." - James Russell Lowell - Submitted by Anonymous

One of my main inspirations is my friend, mentor, and colleague, Susan Haines. I don’t know anyone who is more dedicated to contributing to their community or that is so supportive to those around her. I am grateful to know Susan, to witness the passion she puts into her work, and to learn both with and from her. I love this picture of us speaking together at the 2019 Prisoners’ Justice Day vigil and I am proud to stand next to her wherever we are. Thanks for being my inspiration, Susan! – Submitted by Danielle Kouri

“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness.” ― Lucius Annaeus Seneca

The SLSC Family