‘Keeping the community together’: Richmond Hill's Pat Pollock awarded for volunteerism

Longtime resident enjoys giving back, supports community through advocacy

Yorkregion.com
May 12, 2023
Melissa Wallace

As a retired teacher and Richmond Hill resident for 47 years, Pat Pollock is always looking for ways to give back to her community.

“It’s part of the culture in teaching,” she said. “We are always encouraged to participate in different activities and are always giving back, doing something extra.”

Pollock was recently honoured with the Senior Volunteer Achievement Award by the City of Richmond Hill.

Some of the volunteer activities that keep her busy include serving as the chair of a residence group that focuses on “keeping the community together,” developing a neighbourhood watch group, organizing park cleanups, making masks for hospital workers and knitting hats and blankets for hospital newborns.

She also helps neighbours with practical needs and relays important information to keep them engaged.

“As we get older, there are different needs for different families, and we support each other in different ways, such as shovelling snow or cutting grass,” said Pollock. “Being able to meet with people and help them solve problems -- that community camaraderie -- is what I enjoy most and it’s very satisfying.”