Name: Mary Ann Hodge
Volunteer Since: Spring 2006
Volunteered As: Tree planter, member of the Residential action team advisory committee, community liaison, providing trees for Tree-cycling program, and recently represented ReForest London at an alternative-gift fair held at First-St. Andrew’s United Church to encourage donating to charities for holiday gift-giving.
Autobiography: I grew up in the London area and was lucky to have a small woodlot in which I could seek refuge. Today I live near the Thames Valley trail system and enjoy the opportunity to live downtown yet be close to natural surroundings every day. I believe it is important for children to have the experience of growing up with trees to climb in, or sit under with a good book as that affinity for trees will stay with them as it has for me.
I worked as a Corporate Facility Manager for 20 years in Toronto, and became a Supply Teacher when I returned to London 8 years ago. I have been active in politics, helped coach my daughter’s soccer team, served as Property Committee Chair at First-St. Andrew’s United Church and am currently a Board Member for Camp KeeMoKee.
I look forward to many more years of involvement with ReForest London as it is a very rewarding experience.
Reflections on Volunteering: I started volunteering with ReForest London in memory of my late husband, Bob who had a passion for planting trees – he could always find room for ‘one more’ tree in the back yard. ReForest London helped me plant a memorial tree garden in the Ann Street Park in his memory. I continue to volunteer with ReForest London because it is a very tangible gift of time. Whenever I am traveling around the city, I am reminded of the various tree plantings that have taken place, and it feels good to know that those plantings are still doing well. I look forward to the time when I can walk under the canopy of those trees and know that I had a hand in their existence.
Thank you for your continuing support Mary Ann!
Want to find out how to get involved with ReForest London? Click here to view descriptions of our current volunteer opportunities, or contact our Community Outreach Coordinator at [email protected] or 519-936-9548 ext 221 for more information.