Volunteer Profile: Fran Parkin

As part of a new feature celebrating the terrific people who volunteer with True Patriot Love, we asked Fran Parkin nine questions about her favourite parts of being a volunteer, who’s her hero, and where’s her happy place. Read on and get to know Fran!

And if you would 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?

Both of my parents taught us from a young age that being active in the community was very important. We were encouraged to volunteer outside our home, whether it was helping to clean up the neighbourhood park, coach a local sports team or help a friend with her schoolwork.

I remember my father telling us that as a young schoolboy, he and his classmates learned to knit socks to send to the soldiers overseas during WWI. He never forgot the thank-you notes he received. Unable to enlist in WWII, he supported the war effort by making multiple blood donations to the Red Cross throughout the war years. My father was also a member of the local volunteer fire department, often jumping out of bed during the night when the siren sounded. These were lessons I have never forgotten.

What volunteer activities have you done with True Patriot Love?

I began volunteering for True Patriot Love at the Toronto Tribute Dinner in November 2016. My volunteer activities have included assisting with the set-up and monitoring of the Silent Auction at the Dinner. As well, I assisted with the organization of the 6^th Annual Captain Nichola Goddard Women in Leadership Toronto Conference in 2024.

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

What is meaningful for me is that the Veterans, active military personnel and their families, who have given and sacrificed so much through their service, are now being recognized and supported.  It is a fitting tribute, since they are so deserving.

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

My favourite part of being a volunteer has been the opportunity to meet Veterans and members of the active military and to thank them for their service to Canada. As well, I have met many enthusiastic volunteers from diverse backgrounds. I have found that volunteering is enriching and fulfilling – you gain as much, or more, than you give.

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

Following my retirement as a secondary school principal, I have been a longtime volunteer at Metropolitan United Church in downtown Toronto. A major focus of our mission has been reaching out to the local homeless population appearing regularly on our doorstep. We offer meals, healthcare, and assistance with finding housing.

Previously, I have volunteered at the Pan Am and Para Pan Games (2015), the North American Indigenous Games (2017), the Invictus Games (2017), and the Special Olympics Ontario Invitational Youth Games (2019).

What book do you think everyone should read?

I think everyone should read Five Little Indians by Michelle Good, to gain a better understanding of the true history of Canada and to learn about the ongoing harms caused by colonialism and the trauma inflicted on the Indigenous people by the residential school system.

What song makes you feel happy and energized?

Monty Python’s “Always look on the bright side of life” never fails to lift the spirits.

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

My mother, Ella Sheppard, for sure. She began her career as an elementary school teacher in a one-room schoolhouse in Kakabeka Falls, west of Thunder Bay, Ontario, during the Great Depression.  Upon marriage, in those difficult years, women lost their jobs because there could be only one breadwinner in the family. As a result, she left teaching and began to raise a family of eight children.  Eventually, she returned to teaching in a small rural school and later became its principal. Upon her retirement in 1967, she was awarded Canada’s Centennial Medal for “distinguished service to the nation”. Some inspiration!

Where or what is your happy place?

I value the precious time spent with family and longtime friends. Time is fleeting and sharing the golden moments makes me happy.