Volunteer Spotlight: R. John Garside

I arrived in Prince Edward County on May 23, 2013, and began restoring my Picton home that very same day. But as much as I was focused on settling in, I was equally eager to become part of the local community. Hoping to find volunteer opportunities aligned with my interests in Toronto, I soon joined two organizations that felt like a natural fit: the local horticultural society and the Prince Edward chapter of the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons. Evenings quickly became filled with volunteer work—handling administrative tasks and serving on their boards.

At the Picton Fair, I stumbled upon the Prince Edward 4-H Association Milkshake Booth. Something about it drew me in. With a brochure and a spark of curiosity, I began a new chapter as a 4-H volunteer and board member. Combined with my other commitments, I began to truly feel rooted in The County, continually inspired by the passion and energy of every group I worked with.

In January 2018, my wife Ann joined me in retirement and moved to The County. She quickly immersed herself in the local crafts scene, but her background in business and accounting didn’t go unnoticed. Before long, she was invited to join the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation’s Board of Directors, a role she embraced wholeheartedly.

After some time, Ann noticed that the Foundation’s small but incredibly dedicated staff often needed an extra hand, particularly with their Canada Post mailings. One evening, she asked if I might consider helping, given my experience with print production and mailing logistics from my career in Toronto. I was intrigued, and within a few weeks, I found myself assisting with their mailings.

As the mailings became more complex over time, I welcomed the challenge. Working with the Foundation team was always rewarding. The mailings often came during especially busy periods, and I felt proud knowing I could ease the load by meaningfully applying my expertise. Each time a mailing project comes up, I’m eager to pitch in, confident in the support of the Foundation staff and gratified by the knowledge that my contribution truly makes a difference.

Volunteering with the Foundation has been incredibly fulfilling—not just for the personal satisfaction it brings but also for the opportunity it gives me to give back to the Prince Edward County community that I now proudly call home.