From personal tragedy to community impact

Kindersley volunteer Darlene May turns brain injury advocacy into lasting local support

By Joan Janzen

Volunteer Appreciation Week is an opportunity to celebrate dedicated local volunteers. April 19 to 25 highlights the connection, purpose and meaningful change volunteers like Darlene May bring to their communities.

The week is designed to encourage people to “find their thing” and get involved by supporting volunteerism in towns and villages. Darlene May “found her thing” after her son Jason sustained a brain injury.

“Because of Jason’s brain injury, the Royal Purple approached us to see if we would like to start up the Royal Purple because their cause is brain injury awareness and prevention. I decided to give back,” she recalled.

Darlene was one of the original members who started the lodge in Kindersley. Since beginning in 2017, the group has raised funds for projects supported by both the Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association and the Saskatchewan Royal Purple. They have also contributed locally, donating to the food bank, Crisis Centre family shelter, and Westberry and Elizabeth schools.

“Plus we raise money to fill care bags,” Darlene said. “We usually deliver 30 bags to Crisis Centre and 15 to Wilkie, and give Rosetown and Kindersley RCMP five bags each in October.”

Braingo Tango is the organization’s main fundraiser, supporting the Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association, while the Purple Thursday campaign focuses on stopping domestic violence.

“Our golf raffle tickets are coming out this weekend. In the five years we’ve been doing it, three out of the five winners have been from Kindersley,” she said.

Darlene has built connections across the province and country through her involvement. “I’ve met a lot of people throughout the province and across Canada because I’m affiliated with the national organization. Once you join the local group, you also become a member of the provincial and national organization,” she explained. “It’s good to see what other provinces are doing.”

Volunteering is a lifestyle for Darlene. She also delivers Meals on Wheels, serves on her church board and is a member of the United Church Women. She volunteers at the Manor and regularly takes her son Jason for exercise and walks at the rink and pool.

“I love stopping to chat with the residents at the Manor. I think the residents think I work there because I’m always there,” she laughed.

It’s a common trait among those who serve: they show up, again and again, wherever they are needed.

Leading with purpose. Darlene May, president of the Kindersley Lodge of the Royal Purple, is among the many volunteers being recognized during Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 19–25. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN