Volunteer Bio – Olene Chaplin

Olene Chaplin

I was born in Saskatchewan and moved to Calgary close to the end of grade 2, and then moved to Dewdney to a small farm. I attended grade six at Dewdney School and graduated from Mission Senior Secondary and moved into a secretarial field at a financial institution.

A year later I married and raised a family, and worked part time in clerical positions for BC Hydro, Manpower, UIC, and at an accounting firm.

Once the children went off to school I began a three month time durated position in the Planning Department for the District of Mission. The position was extended and I was able to apply for a permanent position and fortunately became full time. I worked in the Building Department as a clerk and plan checker and eventually moved on to the Public Works Department working as a clerk/dispatcher. I was involved with our Union, the PEP program and the Safety Committee which was very educational and rewarding. After thirty years it was time to retire.

Over the years I enjoyed bowling, going to night school taking upholstery and a floral arrangement course. I am an outdoor enthusiast whether it be camping, fishing, hunting, gardening or hanging out at the river or lakes just having fun.

Holidays were mainly spent in the Caribou and Sechelt. Things I enjoy doing are cooking, sewing, preserving my veggie garden, baking, cake decorating and creating whatever strikes me.

After two years of retirement I decided to volunteer and joined the Mission Hospital Auxiliary Society and began to work at the Cottage Thrift Shop. Just over a year later I was asked to become the Convener of the store. A total new experience but it was great. The volunteers are a great group to work with and have gained many new friends. I gave up the Convener position after six years and stayed on as a clerk and window decorator along with another member. In 2017 I accepted the position of Vice President.

All my life I have enjoyed my families, grandchildren and friends. Thanks to everyone for supporting me through my life.

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