Part of the family
Karen takes part in the Salvation Army's annual kettle drive.
Every holiday season, Karen looks forward to her work as part of the Salvation Army’s annual kettle drive. Six days a week, she’s out in her community of ringing her bell, engaging the public and accepting donations.
“She does a fabulous job,” says Cheryl-Anne Hendy, Karen’s friend and home sharing provider for the past 12 years. “She has a million kilowatt smile and people just love her and respond to her.”
Cheryl-Anne was a manager of home sharing in Delta at a time when Karen was looking for a new living situation. “I got to know her really well and became friends. My husband and family got to know her and wanted her to move in.”
Cheryl-Anne’s children have since left home and have families of their own but visit regularly. Her grandchildren always look forward to seeing Auntie Karen.
“It has been great for our kids to grow up with Karen and when they come home they’re still very close,” says Cheryl-Anne.
Karen gets along well with the three dogs, Emma, Sidney and William and even got her own cat, Jamie. All of the neighbours recently came over to celebrate Karen’s 60th birthday party.
“Cheryl Anne treats me like a sister and I treat her like a sister,” says Karen. “I enjoy my life with her and her family.”
