Krista MacDonald just wants to help people
Springhiller was Cumberland County’s top volunteer in 2020
SPRINGHILL — People helping people is something that means a lot to Krista MacDonald.
The Springhill woman was recently recognized by the Municipality of Cumberland as its representative volunteer. Because of COVID, she was unable to attend the provincial reception with the premier and lieutenant governor in the spring, but was able to participate in a virtual ceremony several weeks ago.
MacDonald is thrilled at being recognized, but said there are so many others in Springhill just as deserving.
“Small communities are run by volunteers,” MacDonald said. “You look around this community and there are so many great people doing great things. That’s what our community is all about, people helping others.”
Long before having children, MacDonald had her first taste of volunteering while attending Dalhousie University in Halifax. She lived close to Ronald McDonald House and volunteered helping check guests into the home-away-from-home for families using the IWK Children’s Hospital in Halifax.
“My apartment was two doors down and I attended the volunteer fair they had. I knew it was close, so I went to their booth and was accepted as a volunteer,” MacDonald said.
“It was a great spot to work.”
After graduation, she returned home and worked at the mall in Amherst and the CIBC in Springhill for about a decade before taking a position with the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada’s Atlantic regional office in Amherst.
Her return home to Springhill resulted in her getting involved in numerous community activities. She was treasure of the Cumberland County Junior B Blues and the home and school association. She is also active with the Cumberland County Exhibition as a director, vice-president of the Springhill and Area Chamber of Commerce, and treasurer/ committee member with Springhill Communities in Bloom — playing a prominent role in the Turkey Trot 5K fundraiser.
While some volunteers burn out, MacDonald said being involved in events with her children helps keep her going.
“My kids love the Pit Pond trail and I’m happy to have been involved in that and my daughter is involved in the exhibition so I have taken an active role there,” MacDonald said. “It’s over a 100 years old and we’ve done some amazing things there.”
After her husband, Brent, opened Sociables Pub, she got involved with the chamber of commerce.
MacDonald recently answered a Q&A with SaltWire Network:
Q. What is your full name? Krista MacDonald
Q. Where and when were you born?
Born in Springhill in 1975. Q. Where do you live today? I live in my hometown of Springhill. I left for a few years while I attended university in Halifax and then returned home.
Q. What’s your favourite place in the world?
My absolute favourite place in the world is our cottage at Heather Beach in Port Howe. I look forward to spending our summers there. This year, due to the pandemic we were able to go there in May and stay until end of summer, as the kids and I were working and doing schooling from home. We also love our family trips to Disney World in Florida.
Q. Who do you follow on social media?
I like to follow family and friends (who) live further away. It is a great way to keep in touch with people you don’t or can’t see often.
Q. What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
Hardest thing I have experienced is the loss of loved ones and beloved pets. That never gets easier.
Q. Can you describe one experience that changed your life?
Of course, becoming a mom is a life changer. I have a son and daughter who are nine and 15 so lately I have turned into their full-time chauffeur, but I wouldn’t change a thing.
Q. What is your favourite movie or book?
My favourite book and movie is “To Kill a Mockingbird” – and it always makes me think fondly of my high school English teacher Mrs. Robinson.
Q. How do you like to relax? I enjoy walks (especially at the Pit Pond Trail) and, of course, being at the cottage in the summer.
Q. What is your greatest fear? My greatest fear is the loss of my loved ones. However, coming from a large, close-knit family we are lucky to create lots of great memories.
Q. What’s your biggest regret? I don’t really have any. I make a decision and move forward. Life is too short to dwell on past mistakes, but you can learn from them.
Meet your Neighbour is a regular feature that profiles area residents. Want to suggest someone who should be featured? Email your idea to scott.doherty@saltwire.com.