Jeannine has been a volunteer driver for the last ten years, thanks to her dad Ron, who is also a volunteer. Jeannine has faced many challenges in her life. All of which she has managed not only to simply overcome, but to do so with a smile and a giving heart.
For most of her life, Jeannine has battled with kidney disease. Her childhood was filled with countless medical appointments and hospitalizations. After two failed kidney transplants and many years of her life on dialysis, Jeannine became a volunteer driver to take her mind off her own situation and give others joy.
Jeannine would volunteer on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays while going through dialysis in the mornings. She received her third kidney transplant in 2017 and since then, she has provided transportation to hundreds of children, driving anywhere from 1,000 to 5,000 kilometres a month.
Jeannine loves driving children and youth to and from their visits. She always makes sure that their favourite music is playing, or chats with them about school or jobs. She is always focusing on the positive. When she notices a child is struggling, she is patient and engaging. Jeannine’s commitment to the well-being of children and youth is remarkable.
Jeannine has managed to take her experiences, her struggles, and her love for children and turn them into a gift for the Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton and the children, youth, and families that we serve.
Thank you, Jeannine!
Happy National Volunteer Week!
