Life-long volunteer

In 1917, when Marie Tracz was born, the U.S. was just entering the First World War, the Russian Revolution helped usher in the Soviet era and John F. Kennedy was less than two months old.

Tracz, who turned 93 on Tuesday, has outlived them all, and to the amazement of those around her, is still volunteering once a month with her First Church United group at Shelter House, buttering dozens of pieces of bread at a time to feed the city’s homeless.

"I was in nursing for 25 years and after that I started working here, and I help out all over. I really missed nursing, so that’s why I came here … It’s wonderful, that’s why I have to keep doing it," said Tracz, who was feted with a lemon-flavoured layer cake, topped with white sugar frosting and three candles that she blew out on her second attempt.

Though a little hard of hearing – one has to speak loudly into her left ear for her to understand, Tracz is still sharp as a tack, completing crossword puzzles to keep her mind fresh and up to the task of feeding the hungry.

"I’m 93, but really, it’s only a number because I don’t feel it," said Tracz, who last January fell in her apartment and laid on her floor for 48 hours before a neighbour checked on her and took her to the hospital.

Months later she still walks with a limp in her step, but it hasn’t stopped her from helping out the community around her.

"I love working with people. I really do, because some of them, you get them to talk. They bring it out. I never tell them what they should do. I just ask them and they come out in time," said Tracz, who started volunteering at Shelter House in 1984.

Her dedication knows no bounds.

"I think I’ve missed about three times, that’s it," she said. "I couldn’t stand to miss it because if a person doesn’t come (it’s more work for others). I’m the bread girl. I butter the bread. I used to just put plain layers (of bread), but then I decided to start to make a pyramid. That was years ago," she said.

Lucas Jewitt is the marketing and development co-ordinator at Shelter House, and said Tuesday’s celebration was the least they could do for their oldest and longest serving volunteer.

"It’s inspirational for other people, other new volunteers we have. To see people that have been around that much and committed that much, I think is really inspiring for people and uplifting."

Volunteers of all ages are needed at Shelter House. To apply, drop by their George Street offices.