Karen Stears, a finance controller at CPL has volunteered and fundraised for numerous organizations in the Saint John region through her service club, Canadian Progress Club Ignite. Ignite is the local women’s chapter of the national organization, Canadian Progress Club. Each of the individual clubs across Canada has their own mandate, and Karen’s club mandate is to work on issues affecting women and children.
Their trademark event is their annual CPC Ignite Presents The Purse Project. They collect new or gently used purses filled with daily necessities. Then they distribute the purses to their community partners, including Hestia House, KV Domestic Violence, Fresh Start Services for Women, who in turn distribute to their clients.
In addition, Karen has volunteered with United Way at Area 506 for the past two years. United Way volunteers provide bartending services and all proceeds from tips and bottle refunds are donated to the United Way.
Additionally, Karen takes her fur buddy, Crosby for a weekly walk through ElderDog Canada Saint John Pawd. ElderDog volunteers assist and support older adults in the care and well-being of their canine companions.
When asked why she volunteers, Karen says there are many reasons. She says, “It helps me shift my focus from my life and petty grievances to our community and realistic issues. I also meet people outside of my usual social groups”.
She is more appreciative of her life and simply wants to help where she can after learning about the difficulties that other people face.
We applaud Karen for her work in making our community a better place!
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