FortWhyte Alive
Testimonials
FortWhyte Alive Volunteers are at the heart of this organization’s dynamic growth and success over the years. They bring second-to-none spirit and passion to their varied roles. Hear about the volunteer experience directly from volunteers themselves, as described below.
Volunteer Quotable Quotes:
"When I got to the FortWhyte Farm on Saturday morning there were a few chickens loose from the interns’ pens but I got them all back into a cage and patched up one hole the best I could. Then I went out to the orchard and found a whole whack of chickens loose. Fed and watered everyone and then rounded all the loose chickens up and put them in the pens. I was thinking that if the people who live on McCreary had a pair of binoculars, they would have had some good entertainment watching me chase those chickens around the orchard! This is the best vollunteer job I have ever had. I go home tired and dirty and happy!" Louise Evans
"Volunteering at Fort Whyte is a rewarding experience for many reasons. It is a wonderful place that values community, the environment and nature. When you are a part of that experience, it lifts your spirit and makes you smile." Marni Dangerfield
"FortWhyte: the place, people, programs and activities are a breath of fresh air! A wonderful learning experience for all who come whether to work, volunteer or visit evryone leaves having learned somethng new. It is an amazing outdoor classroom. There are a lot of smiling faces around FortWhyte. It is a great place to be." Deanne Coombs
"Being a FortWhyte volunteer adds a whole new dimension to your life. As a member of FortWhyte "family" of volunteers, there are numerous opportunities to expand your knowledge of the natural world, to share your enthusiasm with others, and to discover that there are many like-minded people who care about what happens to our planet. This gives me hope for the future. Carol McGonigal
"I feel deeply about my commitment to Fortwhyte - in helping to guide it towards a humane, non-elitist centre for learning about our world. It’s so important to impart a sense of wonder to the next generation. I see this wonder at the Sod House every time I am working there - it is a privilege to be sharing the stories of our past, and celebrating the pioneers of today. I think I can barely scratch the surface of how much FortWhyte means to me. I must say that as one gets older, there is a fierce need to do and leave something meaningful for the next generation." Judy Stewart
"I always look forward to a new season at FortWhyte, to find out what’s new, and what has changed. I especially love being outdoors with the children - it’s very rewarding, and there’s no question I have as much fun as they do!"
Jack Larcombe
"As a retired teacher, I can enjoy children in an outdoor setting, see their enthusiasm for the centre and its activities, plus learn more about nature myself." Virginia Johnson
"I volunteer at FortWhyte because of the aims of the organization and because the people here are so nice!" Rudolf Schlick
"FortWhyte, next to home, my favorite spot. Refreshing, rejuvenating, and thank you staff for making it such a joy to come." Jean Down
"I volunteer at FortWhyte because I enjoy the outdoors, like working with people, and am really proud to be helping an organization like FortWhyte. At the centre, no matter when you come out, there is always something new to see and enjoy." Don Willcox
"I know it has been a while since I have been at FortWhyte as a volunteer, but I wanted to take the time to say thank you. Since November, I have been employed in the library at Highbury School in St. Vital. Highbury married my two loves: children and books. While my library experience and education played a part in securing the position, my time at Fortwhyte was the factor that set me apart. The experience I gained leading school groups through the trails is invaluable. While I love my new position, I still miss the joy of the first snowfall, seeing a muskrat building his home, dipnetting for insects and leeches, and even standing at the top of the toboggan run in -40C.
I hope to be back some day. Until then, thatnk you and all the staff and volunteers for allowing me the opportunity to learn and grow with FortWhyte Alive." Colleen Fowler