Volunteer aims her recent focus on the Royal Purple
Alocal woman started her volunteering in 1965 at 15 years old when she became the youth advocate for the arthritis society when she lived on Vancouver Island. Marvene Layte has always been inspired to put her volunteer efforts towards those people in need.
“It’s been about people with disabilities, about people with special needs and service to the community,” said Layte. “I was very privileged to have a father (Wendell Ratcliffe) who has probably won every award in the world for service.”
Layte said because her sister was very ill as a young girl, the Shriner’s supported the 10-member family and it made a big impression on them. She believes profoundly in giving back to the community that gave so generously to her.
“As my dad volunteered, we all sort of went along for the ride,” Layte laughed, and said being out in the community so often rid her of her shyness.
Layte, who is a life skills coach, has volunteered with a variety of organizations over decades including the the Kidney Foundation, Variety Telethon, Volunteer Prince George, Girl Guides of Canada, Housing Coalition, as a TOPS area captain, as a JET program advisor and member of persons with disabilities council at CNC, with the Diabetes Association, Cancer Society and as an advocate for those with issues regarding Canada Pension, housing and family abuse.
Layte said she really loves the local community and the efforts they make when it comes to good causes.
“It’s one thing that we all know about Prince George, they will always come out and help you,” Layte said.
As B.C. fundraising chair for the Royal Purple, Layte has most recently turned her unending volunteer energy towards Lodge No. 48, the Prince George Royal Purple, who are a group all about empowering women.
The Order of Royal Purple, founded in Vancouver in 1914, was affiliated with the Elks of Canada. The local order was established in 1941. In 2014 members of the Royal Purple of Canada agreed to form their own not-for-profit society now known as the Canadian Royal Purple Society. The society now has less restricted guidelines regarding its mandate.
“For me it’s about abused women and children’s services,” Layte said about her recent involvement in the Royal Purple Association. “It’s really important to be part of something that’s based in your community and helps those right here.”
The Royal Purple’s latest project called Handbags of Hope sees handbags filled with the necessities of life which are offered to women who are running from situations with literally only the clothes on their backs, Layte explained.
In the handbags the Royal Purple puts a variety of items which are donated by the community. Those items include shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste and toothbrush, soap, body wash and lotion, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, deodorant, brush and comb, socks, cotton balls, cotton swabs, tissues, and just for fun nail polish, makeup and perfume.
“What woman doesn’t have a purse that’s like a third arm?” Layte said. “This is about a woman’s purse. Giving these women who have run from their homes for their life and their safety and their children’s and when they run they don’t even think to take their purse. And this gives the community the opportunity to give something back to these women.”
Many organizations made generous donations to make the program a success, Layte said.
On Tuesday, representatives from the local branch of the Royal Purple will present more than 60 Handbags of Hope to the Phoenix Transition Society. To donate items to the Handbags for Hope project call Layte at 250-612-2031.
The Prince George Royal Purple is hosting the provincial conference from May 28 to 30 at the Elder Citizens Recreation Association.
Volunteerism is a way of life for Layte and will always be.
“It’s about looking at the half cup full, not half empty and it’s about being happy,” Layte said. “When you’re a volunteer person, you don’t volunteer for any other reason other than you want to help the community.”