It’s been nearly two decades since Iris Smith first stepped up to help the Norfolk General Hospital.
Smith, who is well known in the community (whether you’ve visited the NGH or not), has made advocating and fundraising for the local hospital a top priority for years.
She’s taken on multiple roles with the Volunteer Association and is currently serving as their Chair.
Smith can be found at almost every major activity the Volunteer Association puts on, from Tag Days and Treasure Mart to their Spaghetti Dinner.
Talking to Smith, she’s happy to list off each of their events and her excitement is noticeable.
As she nears 20 years with the Volunteer Association, it’s obvious she still has a passion for people- and the hospital.
She says they need to help NGH get the best equipment possible, pointing out that it’s one of the bigger “small hospitals” in Ontario.
While hospitals do get funding from the government, a vast majority of the time that money does not go towards equipment.
That’s where the Volunteer Association steps in, with the most recent example being their Year Of The Cat 2.0 campaign which is raising money for a new CT Scanner.
With her many years of service, Smith actually had her boots on the ground 10 years ago when the current CT Scanner was bought.
Smith, who normally works passionately behind the scenes, got a moment in the spotlight recently with her unique idea to fundraise.
Smith, joined by a friend, decided to climb the steps of the CN Tower (doing so with ease).
Doing this raised a few thousand dollars for the Year of the Cat 2.0 fundraiser thanks to donations from local businesses and well-wishers.
Now in her 80’s, Smith shows no sign of slowing down as she also volunteers her time at the Gift Shop in the hospital and helps out at the Garden Centre in Canadian Tire Simcoe.
Check out our full interview with Smith below: