Peace and Environment News* April 1996
|
Peace and Environment News * April 1996 |
by Susan Roelofs
 Irene Beck. Photo: Susan Roelofs |
"Won't my mother be surprised!" said Irene Beck when we began this interview. "She has no idea I'll be appearing in the newspaper!"
For over a year and a half, Irene has been a regular Wednesday afternoon volunteer at the Peace and Environment Resource Centre (PERC). Her sociable nature and conscientious work habits have made her a definite part of the PERC community.
At the PERC, Irene does a variety of general office and clerical tasks. At the end of the month, she usually joins the Peace and Environment News (PEN) mailing crew, the group of folks responsible for getting the PEN sent out to PERC members every month. Other weeks, she can be found busily typing at the computer or preparing pamphlets and mailings.
She gets high praise from other volunteers at the Centre for her enthusiasm and the pride she takes in doing a good job. People describe Irene as "a fast, willing worker" who "gets a lot of satisfaction from her work." "She is very faithful about coming in and doing what she does," and "she works hard—she really works!"
An active volunteer, Irene works at other organizations as well. She helps out at the Humane Society head office, where she especially welcomes opportunities to play with the animals. She told me that the dogs are her favourite and that they like her very much. She also volunteers in the office of the Canadian Institute of Child Health.
It is her enthusiasm for life in general that people notice, and maybe this is why birthdays are such a special time for her. Irene smiles when thinking back to her birthday celebration last July 12 at the PERC, complete with cake, candles, and a photo on the volunteer photo board. She makes a point of remembering other people's birthdays as well.
Doing puzzles, working on computers, knitting, and bowling are hobbies she enjoys when she isn't volunteering. She likes Brian Adams and is an avid Senators fan. Her brother and his wife live in Ottawa with their three children and a dog, and Irene says that being an aunt is "great," especially when her nephews and niece come over to her home to watch movies.
Irene's approach to life is full of zest, and as one co-volunteer put it, "she constantly reminds us that life is something to love." We look forward to having Irene at the PERC for some time to come.
Converted April 11, 2000 - Lg
To follow up on this article, contact the author or the organizations/individuals mentioned; do not contact the Peace and Environment Resource Centre - we cannot provide follow up or contact information. This article is an archival copy of the printed one in the Peace and Environment News (PEN). Viewpoints expressed should not be taken to represent the opinions of the Peace and Environment Resource Centre, the PEN, or our supporters.
