Looking out around Fraser River Heritage Park, Mission senior Linda Clark has a peaceful, happy look on her face.
“This is my favourite place,” she says, explaining that she loves to come to the park.
On Saturday, July 1, Clark and thousand of other residents will be at the park to help celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday. Clark is volunteering to help make the day a success.
Volunteering is nothing new to Clark; she has been doing it for years.
“When I retired, I wanted to be active and engaged in my community and give something back. Volunteering allows me to do that.”
And there is no better place to lend a hand than in her own community.
“I love Mission. I live in Mission. I wanted to give back to Mission because I think it is an amazing community. I love the sense of community.”
She has volunteered at many organizations including the Mission Community Foundation – where she is now a director – and the Clarke Foundation Theatre, to name just two.
“I love that because I have a love of theatre, a background in theatre. And while I’m not performing on stage, it allows me to be in that environment,” Clark said.
She said it’s nice to be part of what’s happening in the community.
As for Canada Day, last year was Clark’s first as a volunteer.
“Believe it or not, it was the first time I ever put tattoos on little kids.”
And she enjoyed the experience immensely.
“It’s such a family event. It’s free and there’s lots of activity and excitement, and it celebrates our country.”
Clark is retuning as a volunteer again this year, noting that so many different clubs and groups participate in celebrating Canada.
Born in Saskatoon, Clark said she has a lot of pride in Canada and believes others do as well.
“Yes, more than ever. Because, in light of the world such as it is now, I think we as Canadians are definitely proud Canadians and showing our pride more now as we realize it’s pretty much a sacred thing to live in this country, to be blessed to live in Canada.”
She said people should value it.
With Canada turning 150 on Saturday, Clark thinks people are feeling even more pride and excitement.
“We’re really a young country when you think of Europe,” she said, “but we have developed a good reputation around the world.”
When asked to sum up Canada in just a few words, Clark said it is free, diversified and beautiful. But after careful thought, she found the perfect description.
“It’s a gift.”
