LAC LA BICHE - Freda Phillips has been a familiar face in the Lac La Biche area for several decades volunteering her time and talents with numerous community organizations.
Phillips, 95, has been involved with the Lac La Biche Farmers Market, the agricultural society, the Lac La Biche W. J. Cadzow Hospital auxiliary as well as Lac La Biche Disabilities Services.
Phillips is pleased that seniors are recognized during Seniors' Week that runs from June 3-9 in Alberta.
Looking back over the decades that she has been involved in the community, Phillips says what she has enjoyed most about volunteering is not only getting to know so many great people, but also making a difference by helping others.
“You meet a lot of nice people … and it feels good that you did something to benefit the community,” she told Lakeland This Week.
Phillips is a founding member of the Lac La Biche Farmers’ Market and served as manager of the seasonal market for 35 years until her retirement in 2011.
When it started, she explained, the farmer’s market was separate from the Lac La Biche Agricultural Society and ran from May-October. After the two entities began working together, the market’s season was extended to December. For many years, Phillips and her husband sold products they made at the market, including knitted items and cut-out animals.
When it came time to choose a manager for the farmers market, Phillips found herself with the position, one that she would hold for the next three and a half decades and enjoyed very much, particularly the social aspect that came with it.
“It was nice being out in the community and I met a lot of nice people that way,” she said.
Last year, the Lac La Biche W. J. Cadzow Hospital auxiliary celebrated its 55th anniversary. Phillips is a charter member of the local charitable organization whose members are dedicated to raising funds for the community hospital.
As a longtime member of the auxiliary, Phillips knitted items for the hospital giftshop and volunteered there as well.
“I worked in the giftshop,” she said, explaining that members of the organization took turns working there, such as doing one afternoon a week or whenever they could find the time to volunteer.
Phillips also put a lot of effort into establishing an organization to help local adults with disabilities in Lac La Biche and was instrumental in establishing a group home in the community.
Artistic talents
In addition to being a volunteer who is committed to making her community a better place, Phillips is also an artist. While she doesn’t paint anymore, some of the works that she has done over the years hang on the walls of her home. She was involved with the Lac La Biche Art Club, serving as president and helping with art shows that the community group occasionally hosted.
Still involved
Although Phillips isn’t as active as she once was, she nonetheless continues to lend a hand and socialize whenever possible.
She goes to the Lac La Biche Heritage Centre for craft activities and to have coffee and visit with other seniors, along with knitting colourful mittens that are given to children in Lac La Biche-area schools. She is also a member of the Evangelical Free Church and has held different positions and jobs there as well. Knitting remains a favourite pastime for the local senior.
“In October, I’ll be giving mittens to about five different schools,” she said. “It’s just nice to do something for somebody else.”
Young at heart
Phillips said it’s important for seniors to volunteer in their communities, not only to help others and meet new people, but also to know what’s happening around them.
“It’s one way to keep in touch with what’s going on,” she said.
