From donations, to blankets, to good food boxes and more, this woman has become a multifaceted, irreplaceable volunteer within the Drumheller area.
Barb Barker began volunteering shortly after she and her husband Mike arrived from London 15 years ago.
“Everyone has made us feel so welcome,” said Barker. “It’s good.”
At the Pioneer Trail Seniors Centre, Barker packs boxes of unsold clothes and sends them to shelters in Calgary via Hi-Way 9 Express trucking services free of charge.
She also volunteers at the Sunshine Lodge, the Good Food Box program, and the ladies of the Friendship Club in Dalum.
“I’m able bodied to do it and just thought ‘well it’s a way of meeting people and doing some good,’” said Barker.
For the Good Food Box program, Barker cleans the baskets that get sent out as well as add fresh items to the boxes as they move down the conveyor belt like line.
The Good Food Box program has been up and running for only three years but has sustained decent interest in the area.
At the Sunshine Lodge along the Red Deer River, Barker gives ladies manicures, helps out with barbecues, and waters plants in the early summer.
As for the Dalum Friendship Club, Barker sews night dresses for the community care wing of the Drumheller hospital.
Further instilling her humble character, she does not want to be recognized for her efforts in the slightest.
“No, I’m quite happy doing what I’m doing,” said Barker. “I help people and do some good for them.”