Peg McKinnon has considered herself to have had a very fortunate life. She has always had a roof over her head, food on the table, and a network of family and friends to love and support her. When her daughter-in-law invited her to volunteer at a fundraising event called Gems & Java, Peg thought she could use the many skills she had relied on in her working career to help out. After having retired from a busy, and often stressful position, Peg found that she still had the drive to continue exercising the skills and abilities developed throughout a life path including 36 years in the workforce. After participating in the work and dedication that went into the massive undertaking of Gems & Java, then hearing Shelley Green give a speech about her personal connection to the people the organization served, Peg never looked back.
Peg is a wife, mom, grandmother and great-grandmother, and also takes pride in her role on the Volunteer Engagement Committee, working alongside two other amazing women, Amanda Bragg and Sandy Smith. Her work is inspired by knowing that what she does with her team makes a difference. Someone far away in the world experiences support and relief, even if just for a brief moment, because of Peg’s caring heart. Knowing she is helping people is why Peg volunteers. In this organization, Peg really believes that the efforts of just one person make a significant impact on another person’s life. Every minute of volunteerism matters in Mothers with a Heart for Ethiopia.
Peg loves being part of a network of like-minded, dedicated volunteers. Her committee works collaboratively, developing communication to our volunteers, organizing their responses, all the while problem-solving the inevitable curves in the road. Seeing it all come together successfully at the Gems & Java event days makes it all worthwhile. Peg and her team keep the efforts and energies of the team focused and connected.
When asked what Peg would say to someone thinking of joining the team, she replied, “Just come out. Try it once. Iron a sheet, sort some jewelry, hang some pictures, bring a friend, be brave, come on your own! You will love it.”
Our team is so much stronger because Peg McKinnon and her team keep us on task, fully supported, and filled with praise for our efforts. Thank you Peg and team for ‘engaging’ us.