Wanda & Wayne White

Local Heroes: Wanda & Wayne White helped construct the bridge on Island Lake.

November 19, 2013 | | Local Heroes

Wanda & Wayne White: Two of our 2013 Local Heroes

Two of a Mind

Wayne White says that when he was a kid, “The Lions Club made it possible for me to play hockey.” That experience introduced him to the idea of giving. “Ever since,” he adds, “I’ve wanted to give back to the community.” Wayne and his wife Wanda, both retired elementary school teachers, are doing just that – in breathtaking fashion.

“When you put your mind to it, you can do anything.”

“When you put your mind to it, you can do anything.” Photo by Pete Paterson.

A list of their recent joint and individual volunteer activities fills a typed page. Given their background in education, it’s no surprise the list features numerous youth initiatives. Wanda, for example, has volunteered in kindergarten classes, and Wayne coaches volleyball. Together, they help with several outdoor education programs. The pair has also developed a very close relationship with Santa and Mrs. Claus, impersonating them every year at Headwaters Health Care Centre’s Candy Cane Fair. Wanda has served as president of the local chapter of Big Sisters and even crochets hats for newborns at the hospital – 338 last year alone.

Service clubs have also played a big role in their lives. Wayne has been a member of the Orangeville Lions Club for 30 years, at one time serving as district governor. Wanda was the charter president of the Amaranth Lions, where she was instrumental in starting and running the Orangeville Dragon Boat Festival.

But Wayne and Wanda are quick to point out that they don’t really care which club sponsors activities. The two are always willing to lend a hand at other events, such as the Rotary Club’s Ribfest and Make Orangeville Shine initiative.

The couple says their most rewarding work has been their involvement with Friends of Island Lake, which has spearheaded the planning and construction of the popular trails and bridges that will someday circle this body of water on the outskirts of Orangeville. Wayne currently chairs the group and Wanda is events co-chair, but the two aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty. They have worked on everything from preparing lumber for installation to collecting scrap metal for fundraising.

They also believe their work on the trail will be their most lasting volunteer legacy. “With many volunteer things you don’t really see the results. For instance, our work with kids or the Headwaters Human Library touches our hearts, but with the trail it’s tangible,” says Wanda. Wayne agrees: “The trail will always be there and we take pride in that.” Also proud is Wayne’s mother, who bought a bench on the trail to celebrate their good deeds.

  • Story Continues Below Advertisements
  • As a spinoff of the trail work, Wayne has recently begun to serve on the board of directors of the Credit Valley Conservation Foundation, taking over from longtime member Bob Shirley. The foundation’s mission is to raise funds for and awareness of Credit Valley Conservation’s projects in the diverse landscape of the Credit River watershed.

    Such a huge community contribution would be a major undertaking for anyone. It is perhaps even more extraordinary when you consider that Wanda has Stargardt macular degeneration and has been legally blind since her early 20s. Perhaps the experience has been educational. Wanda says the biggest thing she has learned about herself over the years is “When you put your mind to it, you can do anything.”

    About the Author More by Jeff Rollings

    Jeff Rollings is a freelance writer living in Caledon.

    Comments

    1 Comment

    1. Wayne and Wanda are a true inspiration to our community. Not only is it an honour to work alongside them on Friends of Island Lake and see their commitment, energy, enthusiasm and love for life first hand, but more so it is my fortune to call them my friends. To anyone who reads this, if you ever have the opportunity to meet Wayne and Wanda White, please don’t pass it by! You’ll be glad you did.

      Kim Perryman on Feb 3, 2014 at 2:25 pm | Reply

    Leave a Comment

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    By posting a comment you agree that IN THE HILLS magazine has the legal right to publish, edit or delete all comments for use both online or in print. You also agree that you bear sole legal responsibility for your comments, and that you will hold IN THE HILLS harmless from the legal consequences of your comment, including libel, copyright infringement and any other legal claims. Any comments posted on this site are NOT the opinion of IN THE HILLS magazine. Personal attacks, offensive language and unsubstantiated allegations are not allowed. Please report inappropriate comments to vjones@inthehills.ca.