Donna McTaggart is a woman of spirit and enthusiasm. She says, for her volunteering seems to be a reaction, something that has been a part of her upbringing, as she doesn’t remember ever not doing it! Donna has been volunteering in Calgary since she moved here in the early 80’s. She currently hosts one Inn per month with Inn from the Cold. She helps coordinate 30 to 35 volunteers as they set up one of the remote locations for Inn clients. She says they usually host 20 guests, and each time she is touched by the sense of family that she feels. Donna wishes everyone person could see the gratitude in the eyes of those they help.
VIP – Donna McTaggart
Organization – Inn from the Cold
Describe your first experience with volunteerism: Donna says she started volunteering when she was a young girl of 15 growing up in Manitoba. She says her first volunteering job here in Calgary was with the Mustard Seed. She said it made her realize how easy it is to get into a situation, and how hard it is to get out of it.
What was your motivation for volunteering with Inn from the Cold: “it feels so good to put a smile on the face of someone that maybe had not smiled that day”… Donna says there is something about volunteering with the Inn that makes her feel complete. She says when she is not there it is like missing a family gathering.
How has volunteering impacted your life: “it’s perspective”, it gives me that look at daily struggles, and how I’m fortunate to have a bed to call my own. I have heard so many heart breaking stories. When you have 9 children all under the age of 12 staying at the Inn it gives you perspective, and it makes you think of your blessings. She says she is always amazed how the single men very often seem to be at the bottom of those that we worry about, but it is through their gratitude that she is often touched the most. Donna says they are so polite and thankful for a bed to sleep in and a meal to eat.
How would you say your volunteering has impacted the lives of others: Donna says one thing she likes to hear is when other people start volunteering because they found their own opportunity to give back.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering: Here is where Donna thinks for a moment as she says it is hard to pick one thing, as it’s such a collection of thoughts and feelings. She says the bottom line is probably the relationships that are formed.
What do you like about Calgary: I moved here about 26 years ago, and it has always been the spirit of Calgary, the entrepreneurship of the people that amaze me. She says it seems like Calgarians are always looking at a way to put their stamp or mark on the city or even the country.
