Honouring Linda Collins,

The 2019 Volunteer of the Year

By Rachel Howard

Each year our Volunteer of the Year is awarded the John Cole Award. For 2019, the award was presented to Linda Collins.  Linda and her husband Bob, moved to Brighton eight years ago, and as a new resident was searching for a volunteer opportunity. She asked her new neighbors and was introduced to The Friends of Presqu'ile Park. Linda joined the Christmas Committee at The Friends of Presqu'ile Park, and quickly assimilated the project needs for the wonderful Christmas@ Presqu'ile event.

Linda evaluates between 130 and 160 vendors for Christmas @ Presqu'ile, and although the deadline is May 15th each year, applications continue to roll in long past the date. ln addition, Linda recruits' volunteers, and gets invitations out to all the members.  She works right alongside her team when it comes to setting up for the event.

Linda was quick to give most of the credit to her team of volunteers who bring Christmas to life at Presqu'ile Provincial Park. Seven years on, Linda loves working with all the people that dedicate themselves to this event for the enjoyment of everyone who attends. Linda gives a great deal of her lime and energy to Christmas @ Presqu'ile. She is instrumental in the event's success and Linda is the guiding force that holds everything together.

Linda and Bob have two grown sons, and they've been blessed with a granddaughter, just a little over a year old.

Congratulations Linda, The Friends of Presqu'ile are very grateful for your contributions.