CUT KNIFE — The Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism (SSM) held its annual Provincial Volunteer Awards on Sept. 28, where Cut Knife resident Sheila Hamel was recognized for her contributions in education and well-being. During the banquet, Hamel received her award from Shan Landry, president of SSM, and the Honourable Bernadette McIntyre, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan.
Hamel was nominated by her daughter, Karen, who had only provided a brief glimpse of all the volunteering she had done over the years. She became involved in the SSM through her Aunt Opal, who had resided in the Cut Knife Care Home. Hamel would often visit, sharing the news from the local newspaper or challenging her to a game of Scrabble. Soon, some of the other residents would listen along or want to participate in a game or two.
“Beyond the fun, Sheila was a passionate advocate for the Care Home and for Opal, speaking up when necessary to keep the voices of the residents heard at higher levels,” said Hamel’s nomination letter.
Hamel, who had taught throughout the province for more than 40 years, would often find ways to help others keep their minds sharp and active. At the monthly seniors’ potluck suppers, Hamel often challenges others to word games or Canadiana trivia, adding another level of entertainment and camaraderie to the evening.
The former teacher has been tied to various organizations and groups throughout her life. Regardless of where she called home, she would often put her name down when help was needed.
“Everyone in my family volunteered at one point or another, whether it was for ball, Scouts or the Farmer’s Union; if help was needed, we pitched in.”
After retirement, Hamel made the move to Cut Knife, a community she considered her second home after many annual summer holidays at Atton’s Lake. She became involved in Toastmasters, the Cut Knife Seniors’ Centre, the Catholic Church, the library board, the seniors’ walking program and the local bowling league. And yet in her spare time, Hamel also finds time to sit at the sewing machine to make beds and mats for animal shelters or sell her handmade quilts to donate the proceeds to KC Rescue in Unity.
She joined the SSM shortly after her retirement as well. Through the Cut Knife Seniors’ Centre, Hamel has been able to bring in special guests, including a mature driving course, estate planning with a lawyer and the monthly potluck suppers, bringing up to 60 diners to the centre.
“It is a great organization. We have six or seven core members on the board and we all try to help in any way we can,” said Hamel.
When Hamel received the news that she was being recognized for her volunteering contributions, her thoughts were, “You’re kidding, this must be a mistake!” She, along with her three daughters — Karen, Lois and Joanne — took the opportunity to turn the award ceremony into a weekend-long adventure.
“We are all just ordinary people who do stuff every day. I know I couldn’t do half of what I have done without the help of the other board members,” said the award winner. She also added that meeting the Lieutenant-Governor was a highlight, saying she was fun to visit with.
Hamel will continue to volunteer for as long as she can. She also urges everyone, regardless of age, to take the time to volunteer within their community.
“Volunteering makes everyday life better, especially when you are helping your friends.”
