Feature Article February 26, 2004
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Volunteer literally goes the extra mile
Northbrook At the age of 73, Leonard Foskett appears to be a trim and fit individual whose step still has the spring of a much younger person to it. Thats partly because Len walks a lot in fact, he does a once and sometimes twice weekly trek from Flinton to Northbrook and back. But why would a 73-year-old man want to walk that far? Well, Len doesnt drive anymore, and as a volunteer at Pine Meadow Nursing Home, his feet have become his chief means of transportation between the two villages.
Most of the time I walk, but when the weathers real bad, I use this, Len said, sticking out his thumb in a hitch-hiking pose. People are pretty good at picking me up and giving me a ride.
Len started volunteering at the Nursing Home in December 2002. Im here between November and April, he stated, because during the summers, I do odd jobs as a yard caretaker in Tweed. Semi-retired, Len worked in various positions throughout his earlier life, naming off companies such as Wonderbread, Humpty Dumpty, Christie and Maislin as some of his past employers. He is married, has two daughters and two grandchildren, and formerly served as a volunteer assistant leader in the Scouting movement.
Len is emphatic in explaining why he volunteers. I enjoy this, he says. I like to keep busy, this keeps me going and in good health. I read in the paper about volunteers needed at Pine Meadow and here I am. Other people need to get involved in the same way. On the day I spoke with him, Len was in the midst of helping a resident enjoy some weekly games of bingo at the Nursing Home.
So if you do happen to be travelling between Flinton and Northbrook and you see Len with his thumb out, consider extending him the courtesy of a ride. He is an interesting man and an easy conversationalist. Or if you want to follow his fine example of giving something back to your community, give Colleen Levere a call at the Volunteer Centre, 336-8934.
Len, from all those folks at Pine Meadow Nursing Home who benefit from your going the extra mile, thanks!
