THUNDER BAY -- For more than 30 years Kelly Hilton has provided a helping hand to the children of Scouts Canada.
Hilton devotes an impressive amount of time to the cub, scout, and ventures groups of Thunder Bay and when she can find time in her busy schedule she volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Thunder and The River Prayer and Worship Centre on Simpson Street.
For years she has given up time with both friends and family in order to help the community.
“I tend to put other people first,” Hilton said. “I have missed many anniversaries, birthdays and parties with my own family because of all the volunteering I do with the community.”
She said it has gotten to the point where her family jokes about scheduling appointments in order to spend any amount of time with her but Hilton said it’s a sacrifice she has to make as volunteering makes her feel good, so it’s just what she has to do.
“I really just enjoy seeing the kids smile,” Hilton said.
“I enjoy what I do and as long as the kids are enjoying it than I’m happy doing it.”
Hilton doesn’t work, which gives her the opportunity to spend most of her free days and nights crafting, baking or doing whatever she’s needed to do for any of the organizations.
When she’s volunteering at The River Prayer and Worship Centre she helps serve dinner and collects blankets for the homeless people and whatever else they need.
Without sleep or rest Hilton can assure she will meet the requests and commitments needed by these organizations.
Hilton said she hopes her story inspires the community to reach out to other groups and volunteer.
“I hear a lot of people saying that they don’t have the time but it doesn’t take much time,” Hilton said.
“I give it a lot because I want to but any bit of time anybody can give puts smiles on so many faces.”
If Hilton wins she hopes to donate some of the money to the different organizations she volunteers with alongside sharing it with everybody who is dear to her heart.
Hilton’s friend Sarah Luchies said she’s never in her life met such an outgoing and thoughtful person.
“She is one of the most selfless people I have ever met in my life,” Luchies said.
“She gives so much of her time, effort, and energy that she has inspired me as well since I’ve known her.”
Luchies added that she’s thrilled to know Hilton as her son’s scout leader because she knows that she will inspire him as well.
“I know she has inspired him as he has involved himself in a lot of volunteering as well.”
Luchies said she is such an asset to the lives she’s touched throughout the years.
“I’m very proud. She’s a wonderful person and she has the biggest heart,” she said.
“I hope she wins because I know she will give back to people and I know she deserves it.
