faith practitioner, who lives by the belief it is our purpose to be of service to others. She carries out these values in all aspects of her life and inspires others to do the same.
Over five years ago, Donna was asked to assume the role of Homelessness Officer based on her volunteer work in the community. This was an excellent fit for someone like Donna who was already so connected to the community.
From the time she accepted this role, in addition to serving as Chair of the Region’s Building Healthy Communities project and Vice-Chair of the Region’s 2005 Employee United Way Campaign, Donna has personally helped hundreds of Peel residents connect with supports in the community. New immigrants to Peel, victims of family violence and people who suffer with mental illness are just some of the groups that Donna helps to receive everything from simple life necessities to housing and community/faith supports.
Through her close connection to several multi-faith groups in Peel, Donna is able to solicit donations and volunteers for many of Peel’s social housing projects. She has initiated a family sponsorship program for Angela’s Place, donations for Millbrook Place and recently garnered sponsorship for a youth symposium last February.
In her spare time, Donna participates as Chair of the Brampton Multi-Faith Council, and is a member of the 905 Area Faith Community Leaders, the Toronto Inter-Faith Council and the Jerrahi Sufi Order of Canada.
But don’t expect her to take any credit for the work that she does. “It’s all a part of our purpose in life,” according to Donna. “I don’t ask for or expect any acknowledgement for the work that I do,” says Donna. “Helping someone in need, and witnessing the difference that it makes in their lives, is all the reward that I need.”
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