Sparkling Service, Powered by Love

Volunteers are the heart and soul of non-profit organizations. Some excel at fundraising for the cause, and others are motivated by bringing joy to others. Betty Burgoyne, a kind-hearted Belfountain resident, exudes gentle beauty and charm and has devoted decades to community volunteering, which has greatly impacted both counts. Seniors across the community, including those served by Caledon Community Services (CCS), Caledon’s most comprehensive social service agency, have benefited from her actions. It’s no wonder her caring heart drew her to a career in nursing early on, and it was from this basis of compassion that her lifelong love of helping others, giving and growing community initiatives was fueled.

Her over 50 years in Caledon, where she still lives with her husband Bob, has been marked by cultivating a vibrant social circle and having a significant and positive impact on seniors’ lives. She led by example and helped create new volunteer opportunities, putting her innate fashion sense to great use. This gave her both a sense of purpose and brought lasting joy to so many. Monty Laskin, CEO of CCS at the time, says, “Betty has been a champion for seniors by showing how they are able to really have a lasting, impactful legacy in their community.”

Burgoyne is a CCS Honorary Life Member, one whose hands-on volunteer work helped her successfully advocate on behalf of CCS. Her ability to champion the agency helped secure foundation support that is critical to ensuring ‘help with heat.” “Without Betty’s advocacy, we simply would not have funding for this vital support that residents rely on, in the cold winter months.” says Laskin.

Betty took the lead in organizing fundraising fashion shows with local boutiques to benefit community hospice services, which evolved into an iconic annual event. She also spearheaded efforts when CCS expanded its health and wellness services with the Seniors Helping Seniors model.She formed what became known as the Glam Girls, leading a team of dedicated senior volunteers. They visited Peel Living building residents, offering beauty treatments, and holding music and memoir writing workshops – giving female residents a transformative mind, body, and spirit experience. For many attendees, it was the highlight of their week. Betty recognizes the impact of her work while preferring that the spotlight remains on those she has helped. One of her biggest thrills is when people stop her while out and about in Caledon to tell her how they’ve benefitted from an initiative she led. She encourages others to help sustain the life of community programs by volunteering. The longevity of these initiatives is the real hallmark of their success. Helping others is her lifelong passion, and she fervently hopes that someone will take up the call and reinvigorate the Glam Girls (she’s open to a name change) and an opportunity to form lasting connections that this Seniors helping Seniors success represented. Squad leader, someone who will, as she has, “get much more than they give.” As Betty puts it, volunteering is not only “an opportunity, it’s what living is all about.”

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