This is one in a series of articles in a feature called "Helpers", which looks at the people and groups in our city that make things better. This week we meet up with Dave Radcliffe, who has a pure passion for volunteering.
When Dave Radcliffe retired from his full-time role as a principal four years ago, he already knew he enjoyed giving back to others.
"I've been volunteering since I was a teenager, over 40 years now," he explains.
Having more time has allowed him to do even more, and community groups and those in need are the ones benefitting.
Just a few of his recent efforts include gathering an SUV full of goods for the homeless, everything from clothes to shoes, and more. He regularly uses his Facebook page to let people know he'll do pick-ups on a given day, and the drop-offs to the North Bay Food Bank are sizeable - one recent load was 497 pounds of food.
In addition, Radcliffe's seemingly tireless energy has allowed him to serve breakfasts at The Gathering Place, and he was one of the early volunteers with the Warming Centre.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he's found time to feed front line workers. When restaurants donate or are sponsored to make food for front-line workers, Radcliffe is there, ready to pick up and distribute those meals. One recent effort he was a part of saw 50 meals served up to the staff with Community Living.
His eight-year-old French Bulldog Sidney is his co-pilot on many of his goodwill adventures and often shows up in the photos at drop-offs.
"People love her and she loves them., She's even been in to visit guests at the warming centre, showing affection to people trying to stay warm overnight. I believe she gives them a little joy, lighting up their life for a minute or two, in a way they might not normally get," says Radcliffe.
When asked about what keeps him motivated to give so much back to the community, he says "I like to do it and to hopefully change people's lives for the better. It gives me a purpose and self-worth as well. If I can give back in a way that makes the community better, that makes me better, too. I've been very fortunate, and there's so many who aren't."
If you have a suggestion for an individual or group that could be featured in the "Helpers" series, please contact Mike Anthony at [email protected]
