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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, June 18, 2015 | 18 Volunteers thanked for being `the soul of Wellspring' by Bob Mitchell Oakville Beaver Staff Within three months of opening in July 2000, some 120 people had used the facilities of Wellspring Birmingham Gilgan House. Now, 15 years later, more than 6,800 people living with cancer have had the Wellspring experience and a big reason for their care and comfort has been the hundreds of volunteers, who have provided everything from a friendly face at the door to a caring and compassionate ear. Last Thursday (June 11) the Oakville home on Sixth Line celebrated its 15th anniversary with a dinner reception honouring these volunteers, including two Oakville women Lynn Novokowsky and Eve Willis, both of whom have been volunteering since Day 1. More than 100 volunteers attended the event where 26 of the 640 volunteers over the years were recognized for their dedication and service of 15 years. Another 23 were honoured for their five and 10 years of service. "It's truly been a gift... It's been an honour to be part of this amazing organization," said Novokowsky, who started as a front-desk welcomer every Wednesday and still does that shift 15 years later. "Every cancer, every family is different, but if I can help somebody in the slightest way then I'm making their journey a little easier." Willis, also a front-desk volunteer for the past 15 years, has also been a driver transporting people back and forth from their homes. She has also helped organize the home's annual Nine, Dine and Wine fundraising golf tournament. As a front-desk volunteer, Willis is often the first friendly face people see when they enter Wellspring, a donor-driven home that receives no government funding. ""It's very emotional when people come through the front door for the first time. It takes a lot of courage for them to do so," Willis said. "You end up getting to know everybody on a SEXUAL ASSAULT & VIOLENCE INTERVENTION SERVICES (SAVIS) OF HALTON · Free anti-violence presentations to businesses/associations/schools · Free confidential counselling · Free 24-hour support line - anyone may call: 905.875.1555 If you are interested in joining our Board of Directors please contact Ruth Perkins at boardofdirectors@savisofhalton.org Wellspring Birmingham Gilgan House honoured 26 of its volunteers, including two Oakville residents, with plaques and flowers. Pictured, volunteers Eve Willis, left, and Lynn Novokowsky, show off their gifts of thanks in front of a volunteer tree poster outside Wellspring on Sixth Line. | photo by Graham Paine ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or facebook.com/HaltonPhotog) 905.825.3622 · Toll free: 877.268.8416 · www.savisofhalton.org first-name basis." Wellspring provides supportive care programs and services for Oakville, Burlington, and Mississauga residents living with cancer and their families. Perhaps, the most amazing part is that all of the services are free. "This is such a unique place. It's not a see Wellspring on p.19 Alert: Your ash trees are at risk from the Emerald Ash Borer ® TruGreen, Canada's leading lawn and tree care company, has been contracted to treat ash trees on public lands in the Town of Oakville from June through August. Ash trees in the Oakville area are at risk from Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive pest that destroys ash trees if left untreated. Avoid the costs of removal and replacement by treating your ash trees today with help from TruGreen. Special pricing available for Oakville residents. Call or visit TruGreen online for details. 1-866-294-7962 TruGreen.ca Learn more about protecting your ash trees. Join the Oakville Canopy Club. For more information visit oakville.ca "...perfect match for us ...she made the journey fun ...already referred to a friend ...exceeded our expectations" "...friendly professionalism ...a true expert in her field ...expert design flare" K Design custom cabinetry 490 SPEERS ROAD, OAKVILLE K D E S I G N C A B I N E T RY.CO M 905.339.2223 DIAMOND