James Skinner and Steve Wilsack have been named by Council as Wolfville's Volunteers of the Year.
At Council on July 23, Deputy Mayor Elliott provided a glimpse into the impactful work both men have undertaken in Wolfville and beyond with their on-going acts of care and compassion.
James Skinner purposely set out to aid the homeless in our community and the wider Province this past winter. Despite his own health issues, he met with the unhoused and sought tents to provide better shelter for two individuals wanting to be in Wolfville. To raise awareness, James documented the increasingly challenging situation with his camera in various encampments and quietly lobbied politicians and service providers.
James also provides support through his passion for electronics, helping with the electronic sign project at Acadia and recent tech upgrades at the Al Whittle.
Wolfville resident Steve Wilsack spent most of the winter in the Grand Parade in Halifax, satistying the needs of the unhoused who were sleeping in tents. Wilsack said he can still recall his reaction to seeing the summer tents set up in the mid-November cold. "Sheer horror," he said.
Steve chose to live in a tent himself in order to be on hand when needed. Wilsack helped fill the Grand Parade with warmer ice fishing shelters. He acted as a spokesperson for those who could not speak for themselves because he cares.
Since leaving the Grand Parade, Steve has started the Housing First Society of Nova Scotia. He is working with Dalhousie Architecture and others to explore micro-housing as a prototype for social housing and he is also an advocate for backyard suites.
"We can help," he said. "But the red tape is daunting.
The two volunteers were celebrated at Council on July 23 and presented with awards. They will also be considered as Wolfville's nominees for Provincial Volunteer of the Year.
