N.S. food bank celebrates decades of volunteer work by one of their own

Kaye's kindness is recognized Kaye Migchelsen receives a Christmas surprise to recognize her commitment to the Gateway Food Bank.

Volunteers at a Nova Scotia food bank recognized one their own on Thursday.

Kaye Migchelsen has been volunteering at the Gateway Food Bank in Lower Sackville, N.S., for more than two decades.

Food bank volunteers gathered to celebrate Migchelsen for her commitment to the community – a gesture that came as quite a surprise to Migchelsen.

“Nobody has ever done anything like that for me before,” said Migchelsen.

Sheila Margeson is also a volunteer at the food bank. She says Migchelsen is an amazing co-ordinator who is loved by many.

“She puts so much time, and energy, and effort into food bank and collecting money for the community,” said Margeson.

“She is just wonderful to have around, she’s so positive, she’s so friendly, and all the people that come here love her.”

Migchelsen loves helping the community and says she doesn’t see herself slowing down anytime soon.

“I love doing this … I’m in my 70s and often think, ‘How long can I do this?’ And I’m thinking I can’t imagine ever wanting to quit,” she said.

“And my husband says when he retires, he’s going to help me run the food bank. Knowing that people are so desperate and that we can help here, and that would be one of the things that stops me from wanting to retire or just stay home.”

Migchelsen says the joy she brings people by volunteering is very satisfying.

“Just to be here with everyone is the joy of my life really. I just love it,” she said.

Margeson says the food bank is always looking for help from volunteers.

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