March’s staff spotlight focuses on an amazing employee and volunteer here at the KMFRC. Her smiling face greets visitors when they come into the KMFRC at the reception desk, and she will be helps the LPA with administration. I’d like to introduce you to Sara Bushey.
Sara was born and raised in Windsor, Nova Scotia where most of her family still resides. She attended St. Mary’s university where she graduated with a degree in Commerce. On a blind date set up by her cousin, she met her future husband, Sheldon. They’ve been happily married for 10 years, and experienced 4 postings (arriving in Kingston 2 years ago). They share their home with two black labs, Merlin and Mortimer, and a variety of crafting and hobby supplies. Friends joke that they have their very own Michaels store in their PMQ!
Sara volunteers with the Family Networks, she is the family Rep for 1 ESU. She has hosted Deployment Coffee Socials and is also a facilitator for Creative Tuesday’s. Sara has helped numerous people discover the joy you can experience from crafting. “People like to say they aren’t creative or crafty, but once you show them they can accomplish little projects, those little projects lead to big ideas and soon enough, they’re creating some amazing things!”
When you volunteer at the KMFRC, you take away some amazing memories of working with our community members, and when I asked Sara for her favorite volunteer memory, she was quick to answer. “We decided to do a card making event, and for whatever reason we only had one person show up. You’d think that would be disappointing, but no, it was amazing being able to work with that person one-on-one. I was able to teach her how to heat emboss the cards, which I wouldn’t have had the time for if it was a larger group. She actually squealed she was so excited!”
Asked about what she has learned about making a deployment over Valentine’s Day, or any holiday easier, Sara had this to say. “Before he leaves, we try and do a little celebration, and then another one when he comes back. I will try to pick up or make something small for him to take with him to remind him of home. I also take advantage of morale mail whenever possible, and we try hard to keep in touch via email or phone calls. You have to remember that deployments can be scary and tough, but we have a lot of supports to get through them.”
If you are interested in becoming a KMFRC volunteer, please visit: http://kmfrc.com/volunteer or contact our Volunteer Services Worker, Heather Kotelniski at 613-541-5010 x5195 who would be happy to discuss our current volunteer opportunities.