Michelle (Shelly) McLellan

Shelly’s husband George was in the miliary so they spent a lot of time moving around - living in Kingston, Ont., Petawawa, Ont., Virginia, Turo and Greenwood.

After 25 years they decided to move back home to Cape Breton, which Shelly describes as "a dream come true for me." Since moving back she has volunteered at the Parish of St. Leonard’s food room and the clothing room, and served on the parish council for a number of years. She has also spent time caring for sick or dying people in hospital and at home, which she describes as "my passion."

About 10 years ago McLellan’s girlfriend’s mother invited her to go to a Combined Christmas Giving meeting, and once she found out what it was about she was hooked and has been chairperson for the last eight years. AGE: 56 OCCUPATION: FORMER LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE IN A NURSING HOME IN ONTARIO, RETIRED YOUNG. HOMETOWN: NEW WATERFORD What was your first job? Working in the kitchen at the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital What talent would you most like to have? Singing What is your favourite food? Turkey dinner Favourite movie? Not a big fan of movies but I enjoy TV — especially true stories — when I have time. Favourite book? Do not do a lot of reading but do enjoy true stories Favourite music? Country Coffee or tea? French vanilla at Tim’s BIRTHPLACE: NEW WATERFORD FAMILY: HUSBAND GEORGE AND SON DARIN, 36 PETS: SIR CHARLES COCKER SPANIEL CAPER, 10 NICKNAME: SHELLY (ALTHOUGH PEOPLE THINK THAT’S MY NAME) How do you spend your leisure time? Walking What is your pet peeve? People who say they will do

something and don’t What trait in people do you most admire? Honesty What is your motto or favourite saying? Pay it forward What is your greatest fear? Drowning. I have a fear of the

water. What is your favourite thing about Cape Breton? Being

closer to family What is your favourite place to travel? Calgary to see my son