Volunteer Inspiring Others Through Her Acts of Peace

Shelley Scott always knew she wanted to get involved in her community. One passion led to another and today Shelley shares her time and talents at various organizations. She’s not only giving back, but inspiring others through her actions.

“Shelley has inspired me and others through her acts of peace by giving her time to people who really need it and often get overlooked,” explained Mallory Cunningham, who nominated Shelley for a YMCA Peace Medallion.

Shelley currently volunteers at the Coverdale Centre for Women providing support in their Mother and Baby program, which is a unique program that is one of a kind in Atlantic Canada.

“I am there for them to lean on me,” Shelley said. “There are some great people who have made bad choices, but you can’t judge.”

According to Shelley, eliminating judgement is a key element in spreading peace.

“Everyone goes through something and you just have to accept people for who they are,” she said.

Alongside 50 volunteers, Shelley is President of the West Side Food Bank. Shelley’s upbringing is one of the reasons she is so passionate about giving back.

“I grew up with my two aunts who took me and my two brothers in. They were single parents,” Shelley explained.  “I have a lot of respect for how hard they worked for us.”

On Tuesday and Friday afternoons Shelley and the crew of dedicated volunteers are busy in the basement of the Carleton Community Centre, preparing for community members to visit the Food Bank. The sense of community that is felt as you walk through their doors is refreshing. Everyone is there for a common purpose and truly wants to support their neighbours.

Travel a few blocks from the West Side Food Bank and you can find Shelley at Bobby’s Hospice, a palliative care home focused on comfort, not cure, and on life, not death.

“I have been there since the beginning, it is the most fulfilling work I have ever done,” Shelley explained. “Everyone thinks it’s sad, but it’s a place of kindness and laughter.”

She sits with residents and connects with them. Shelley said that although she is providing support for residents, she is also gaining so much for them.

“I think peace means helping others. It means no judgement and that everyone comes from a different world,” she said. “If you treat people the way you wanted to be treated, you open up many opportunities.”

Shelley Scott will receive a Peace Medallion on Wednesday, November 21st, 2018 at the YMCA Peace Breakfast held at the Delta at 7:30am.

Shelley with the dedicated group of volunteers at the West Side Food Bank.