As part of a new feature celebrating the awesome people who volunteer with True Patriot Love, we asked Lucy Zucchet 10 questions to get to know her better. Read on to hear who inspires her, what book she thinks everyone should read, and her favourite spot to reconnect with nature and watch the salmon run (you might be surprised).

Would you like to join our amazing group of volunteers? Send an email to events@truepatriotlove.com to get started.

Was there someone in your life who taught you that volunteering is important, like a parent, relative, or teacher? 

My mother was a person who believed strongly in helping others. She did it quietly and never expected anything from anyone, yet it brought her so much joy.

What volunteer activities have you done with True Patriot Love? 

I have been volunteering for True Patriot Love since 2016, except for 2020 and 2021 due to COVID.  I have volunteered mainly at the annual Tribute Dinner. The first few years, it involved helping set up the actual items for the auction but like everything else today, the auction has gone mostly virtual. This year, I also volunteered at the Captain Nichola Goddard Women in Leadership Series.

What about True Patriot Love’s work or mission is meaningful to you?

Prior to volunteering with True Patriot Love, I knew that our military members and Veterans needed our support but not to what extent. I remember a military member, with a very young family, speaking at a Tribute Dinner about his journey and how thankful he was his children could go to camp and just be kids. These programs not only include the members but their families. Their work is not a one-day event but rather year round.

What has been your favourite part of being a volunteer so far?

I would have to say it is the True Patriot Love team, who have always made me feel welcomed year after year. I have met many wonderful volunteers and find it interesting to hear their reasons why they chose to volunteer for True Patriot Love.

Apart from True Patriot Love, where else do you volunteer?

For the past 8 years, I have also volunteered for Tennis Canada at the National Bank Open.

I am also a volunteer translator (Spanish/English) for Canadian Central American Relief Effort, a charitable, not-for-profit organization run by volunteers. These Canadian sponsors enable children to go to school, pay for uniforms, books, etc. I translate letters from the children to their sponsors in Canada and vice versa.

CCAMRE focuses on initiatives which enhance the self-sufficiency of impoverished communities in the Merendon Mountains of Guatemala. Having lived in Guatemala before immigrating to Canada, I know the need in this region.

What book do you think everyone should read? 

All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. Even though it deals with the horrors of the Second World War, it is a story of hope and resistance. A person’s optimism can be a source of strength.

Where or what is your happy place?

I enjoy walking in James Gardens along the Humber River in Toronto. It is nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the beautiful gardens and animals, especially the annual salmon run.

What song makes you feel happy and energized? 

Justin Timberlake’s Can’t Stop The Feeling. The song has a positive energy which makes you want to sing along or get up and move.

Do you have a hero, or someone who inspires you?

I would have to say my parents have inspired me. They decided to immigrate to Canada for a better life for my siblings and me when we were teenagers. They hardly spoke English and having lived in Latin America they had never experienced winter. I am not sure if I could have done what they did; however, I am thankful for all I have today thanks to their sacrifices and vision for our family.