Celebrating the work of a tireless volunteer
When you think of Bridget Kraft (Biddy), one of the images that emerges is of “The unsinkable Molly Brown.” Margaret Brown was a socialite and philanthropist who was best known for her efforts in attempting to have the crew in her lifeboat return to look for survivors following the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Bridget exemplifies that same indomitable spirit and concern for others.
Bridget joined the Burlington Seniors’ Centre following the passing of her husband, Tom, in 2001. Member Margaret Ranahan recalls a comment from Bridget at the time:
“I’ve just lost my husband. Now I have to start new activities, meet new people and get into new pursuits at the Senior Centre. ” Margaret found Bridget’s advice had a profound influence on her.
Hardly over the threshold of the Seniors’ Centre, Bridget was recruited to join the Volunteer Board of Management at the time handling the New Membership portfolio.
Bridget thought it was very important to give new members a warm reception. She set about arranging to decorate the Seniors’ Centre Auditorium for a Welcome Tea for new members. This continued for many years.
Norah Kraft, Bridget’s daughter, commented: “My mother is a ‘connector,’ a person who wants nothing more than to link people with each other, people whom they might not otherwise meet and offer them the opportunity to make new friends.”
Bridget wasted no time in becoming seriously involved in all areas of the centre such as serving on a Mayor’s Senior Advisory committee. She also made a donation to the cost of entertainment at one of the social functions.
Bridget believed in supporting events held at the centre such as the Robbie Burns night. It was a big deal for her. She would regularly book a table and invite members, often people she thought might not otherwise be comfortable enough to join in on their own. Besides the Seniors’ Centre, Bridget also volunteered at Joseph Brant Hospital and hosted dinners for an Alzheimer’s group for years.
At the centre, Bridget participated in many classes always making her mark, exhibiting her feisty Irish ancestry by expressing a strong opinion or exercising her wicked sense of humour.
Sometimes, she took a class a step further. For instance, in one of George Sanford’s “Play Reading” courses, she invited members of the class to her home to discuss the play in preparation for the next class. It was never enough for her to just have people engage in an activity together and then go home. She felt that opportunities for social interaction was the whole point.
When an opening became available for a facilitator to run the Current Affairs program, Bridget stepped up to the plate, at first with Cliff Goodwin and then alone. In Current Affairs, she had an opportunity to advocate for many issues that concerned her.
Inclusivity was high on Bridget’s list of priorities. Once she assisted in the wedding of two same-sex Seniors’ Centre members who needed help getting their wedding organized.
A short time after she became a facilitator, Bridget started organizing an annual Current Affairs Christmas Party in the party room at her condo building. The tables were decorated in a Christmas theme, there were food and drinks and always entertainment. Norah recalls playing guitar with her husband, leading a Christmas carol singalong with lyric books printed and bound for the occasion. Later, Bridget added a spring wind up barbecue to the agenda, which she held in her condo with the help of her daughter and son-in-law.
Bridget ran the Current Affairs group with such pizzazz that some members are still attending today after 16 years. For those dealing with health issues, grief or loneliness, she threw a life preserver to keep them afloat. They bonded forming lasting friendships. The group wishes to pay homage to Bridget’s wholehearted commitment with this tribute. At 94, she is finally stepping down as facilitator.
Bridget has been a role model in her dedication and tireless hours of volunteering at the Seniors’ Centre, for looking to improve things for her peers and in the way she conducts herself and lives her life. Bravo.