When you first meet Donna Reid, it’s not hard to believe she’s spent more than 25 years offering quality customer service in many forms.  “Oh, I’ve worked in an office and in a drug store,” she says from her home in London.  “I spent time working in a grocery store and even a funeral home.  I love being with the public, I guess you could say.”

Donna has taken those exceptional customer service skills and outgoing personality and brought it to Mission Services of London.  For approximately 6 years, she has been a valuable volunteer and important part of the team.  “I joined the Women’s Auxiliary and that led me to all kinds of volunteer opportunities,” she explains.  “It’s very rewarding, meeting people and knowing you’re really helping others.”

A proud Londoner, Donna has been involved in the fabric of our community since moving to the city as a teenager.  “Things weren’t always easy,” she recalls.  “I’ve been on the other side and I know what it’s like to go without.”  She recalls some difficult times until finally securing a job making $1.05 an hour. “I thought I’d hit the big time!” she says.

With a lifetime of experience dealing with people from all over the city, volunteering seemed a perfect fit. “I really enjoy selling the Homes for Hope Pins,” says Donna.  “It gets me out among people which I love so much.”  Designed and produced for Mission Services of London by the London St. Thomas Association of Realtors, these one of a kind handmade pins are an important fundraising initiative toward helping London’s homeless.   You’ll find Donna out in the community selling these unique pieces of wearable art for $10.00 each.  Proceeds from the sale of the pins go directly to Mission Services of London.  “We sell them year round, at different fundraisers and meetings,” she says.  “I’ll be at Cherryhill Mall next weekend with pins for sale. Stop by and say hello!”

Donna is also among the cheerful faces volunteering at The Mission Store at 300 William Street.  She donates her time each week helping customers with donations, purchases and with the voucher program which helps Londoners get on their feet by providing essential items at no cost.  “I’m at The Mission Store every Wednesday morning,” says Donna.  “I try to be cheerful and say hello to everyone who comes in.”

Mission Services of London relies heavily on volunteers who gladly donate time and energy to support this important cause.  We are so grateful for Donna Reid and all the volunteers who give so willingly.  “Donna is an all around volunteer who helps out in many areas,” says Melissa Tiller, Volunteer Relations Coordinator at Mission Services of London.  “If I need something, I call her.  She’s right there, ready to help in any way she can.”

Through it all, Donna believes in the basic principle of giving back.  “I find that when you extend a helping hand, it always comes back to you,” she explains.  “It may take a while, but that helping hand will reach for you one day.”

Thank you Donna Reid and to all our valued volunteers.

If you would like to learn more about Volunteer Opportunities click HERE