Touching lives by volunteering
By Joan Janzen
Kindersley resident Doug Dale retired from full-time employment in 2022 but hasn’t slowed down since then. A retirement slogan says - Never underestimate the difference you made and the lives you touched. However, Doug and many other volunteers are proving that you can continue to touch lives long after you leave the workforce.
Doug has worked hard throughout his life, even when he was a kid. “If I wasn’t going to school, I was working on the farm,” he explained. “I farmed full time all my life and never had time to volunteer.” He stopped farming in 2009, after which he transported dairy products. “I started in the oilfield in 2012 and worked until 2022,” he said. At that time, he helped a neighbour on the farm in the spring and fall for a year.
Kindersley resident Doug Dale enjoys volunteering. Photo (submitted)
Aside from being part of the Parent Advisory Council while his kids were in elementary school, Doug hadn’t done much volunteer work, but that all changed in 2023.
In February of this year, he was asked if he was interested in volunteering at the FoodMesh program, and he hasn’t looked back since. Now, he faithfully volunteers every afternoon and evening, three days a week. “I’m the kind of guy who jumps into something wholeheartedly,” he explained. The strong work ethic he had acquired from his years in farming is now utilized in contributing to the needs of the community.
“I really enjoy what I’m doing. It gives me something to do, and it’s a needed service; there’s no doubt about that.”
Although he spent much of his life operating farm machinery and working in the oil patch, he now enjoys associating with people. “I’m getting to know the people, and it becomes very personal. It’s overwhelming sometimes when you see the needs coming through the doors. Most of the people are very appreciative,” he admitted. “It can be emotional because you get a large food donation, and in a week, it’s gone.”
He also enjoys working with a team of volunteers who are equally as dedicated as himself. “I put my time in farming, in the oilfield, and now I need to take a step back and enjoy retirement to a certain extent,” he said. He enjoys golfing and time at the lake, but volunteering gives him purpose.
“It’s a rewarding experience all around, knowing that you’re doing something for the benefit of the community and not expecting any payment for it. You’re doing it just for the reward of helping the community,” he concluded. And he plans to keep at it as long as he is able.