For Karen, a retired early childhood educator and passionate community volunteer, Kits House has become more than just a place to contribute her time. It’s a place where her creativity, love for music, and passion for early childhood education have overlapped and flourished.
As someone who spent her career running the Women and Family department at a community center and teaching music to young children, Karen was searching for ways to continue giving back when she entered retirement.
“I was looking for volunteer things to do because I loved volunteering,” she recalls.
“I came by Kits House, talked to the people in the daycare, and wondered if they would like to have some music. And, they said, ‘Yes!’ I started volunteering in the daycare. It kind of evolved from there. I met people and started to do other things at Kits House.”
From that first encounter, Karen’s involvement in Kits House grew. What began with music in the daycare soon expanded into a variety of creative and meaningful contributions that have left a lasting impact on both her and the community.
“I’ve done many different things and found it to be a very welcoming community,” she says.
One of Karen’s first projects was creating plaster casts of community members’ hands — an artistic gesture that brought people together. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Karen brought the community together once again as she adapted her love of music to meet the needs of young children.
“I started doing music in the park over the summer and got a neighbourhood small grant. One time, there was a big event; I’m sure there were a hundred parents and children in the park, all singing along,” she says.
Karen also organized birthday concerts, where children were celebrated with music and song — an experience that Karen says created cherished memories for both parents and their children.
“I think birthdays are so important to celebrate. Parents appreciated seeing their children on stage, singing and learning songs. It’s a big day for them, and I love being part of it,” she says.
According to Karen, volunteering at Kits House has been a gift.
“I’ve gotten as much back as I’ve put out,” she says.
“I’ve met so many good people and had so much fun. I don’t mind the work or the planning. There’s always something in my inbox about where volunteers are needed, and I enjoy that. It’s so important for the community to get involved.”