After university, I volunteered for CUSO in India. I was called to work in Ottawa by the Executive Director of CUSO, who may have had an ulterior motive! We got married and lived in Ottawa, then Chelsea, where I spent 6 years at home raising our two children.
When the marriage ended, I went to work in the federal public service at Manpower and Immigration. I was lucky to have a series of fascinating jobs, helping develop programs in the labour market, immigration settlement, education and literacy, and disability services.
In my final assignment at Citizenship and Immigration, I was the Assistant Deputy Minister of Operations (ADM). It was a wonderful position where I was able to build on my experience of helping the Indochinese boat people. During my years as ADM, we dealt with the refugee boats of Chinese people on the BC coast, the Kosovar refugee movement, and the impact of 9-11. It was an exciting and challenging job.
When my sister died in her 60s within only nine weeks, I decided to do something totally different. So, I left government and went to the Haliburton School of the Arts. That got me started on a whole new path; I took many classes in painting and printmaking. I now have a studio in my home and remain a very active artist. I participate in the Galerie Old Chelsea, Homes for the Holidays, and the New Edinburgh Studio Tour.
I am also involved in Hospice Care Ottawa. I was on the Board of Hospice at the May Court Club of Ottawa for over 6 years, serving as Chair for two years. I still love to be part of the Day Hospice program each week.
Finally, I really believe in helping immigrants settle properly in our country. I have been part of a sponsorship group, the Belvedere group, which sponsored a Syrian family over six years ago, and I have loved seeing them adjust to Canada. Our group has also sponsored a large Afghan family, and when I went to the community for some assistance,
I was totally blown away by the incredible support that was offered by the residents of Manor Park.