Former Pictou County man receives top volunteer award

Ed Dean doesn’t believe in giving up on people.

Dean, who grew up in Pictou County, now works for the Salvation Army and lives in Maple Creek, Sask., where for the last 10 years he’s been a volunteer for the Okimaw Ochi Healing Lodge.

The Healing Lodge is a correction facility for aboriginal women.

Dean is involved with a number of activities at the facility ranging from making sure the children of the women who stay there have presents at Christmas to providing community service and work release opportunities at the Salvation Army Thrift Shop and Church.

For his work, he’s recently been awarded the Taylor Award, the top award Correction Services Canada gives to a volunteer each year.

According to the nomination papers filed for the award, Dean has helped out in many meaningful ways.

“He does not discriminate; all are treated equally in the community. Whether they are at the church or at a function, the women are equal participants; a part of the community, a part of the church,” the nomination states.

Dean said he was honoured The Taylor Award was established in November 2001. It is presented annually by CSC and the National Volunteer Association during an official award ceremony to an outstanding CSC volunteer who has shown exceptional dedication to the service. The award is named after Dr. Charles Taylor and his wife, Charlotte, of Wolfville for their lifetime dedication to faith-based counselling with offenders in correctional facilities and in the community, and for Dr. Taylor’s contribution to the development of prison ministry education.

to be chosen.

“I don’t do it for recognition, but sometimes it’s nice to be recognized for what you do,” he said.

But most rewarding for him is seeing lives made better.

Through his work at the healing lodge, he’s watched women come into the prison with a Grade 4 education and leave with their Grade 12. Others – some middle aged – have been able to find employment for the first time in their life.

He remembers one particular woman who had spent much of her life in prison come do work at the church. She was shocked when he said he was leaving for a few minutes and was trusting her in the church alone.

“If I can’t trust you in the church, why should I trust you to be in the streets of my community?” he asked.

That trust had a profound impact on her.

“The dignity of the person is important to me,” Dean explains.

Dean also makes a point of respecting aboriginal traditions.

“I’m a visitor on their land when I’m there and I don’t take it for granted,” he said. “It’s a real honour to be part of their aboriginal facility and to be part of their teaching and ceremonies as well.”

He said when the facility was first opened, many involved wanted nothing to do with anyone from a religious affiliation because they had come through the residential school system.

He’s respected that and has found the community appreciates that and has shown him respect for it as well.

“I say, we’re building bridges one toothpick at a time. Sometimes those toothpicks are firmly placed, other times we’re gingerly walking across them,” he said.

Through it all there’s a growing respect and communication.

With National Volunteer Week approaching next week, Dean hopes others will take the initiative to volunteer in their community.

He knows it’s made a difference in his own life.