In 2010, AMA introduced a paid volunteer day to its staff. This is my experience.

1. In 2010, AMA introduced a paid volunteer
day to its staff. This is my experience.
by Diane Bégin

2. Back in 2006, when
volunteering with a
women’s service
organization I became
aware of Hearts &
Hooves.
Michelle Kropp
started the
organization in
Sherwood Park that
rescues mini and
dwarf horses.

3. The minis and
dwarfs visit
facilities like
hospitals and
palliative care
centres to bring
cheer to people.


4. In 2006, our
women’s service
organization had
given a grant to
Michelle Hearts & Hooves
to help build a
place for visitors on
their farm.
We also had a
Me
chance to tag
along on a visit.

5. Ever since, I’ve
wanted to volunteer
with them again, so
when AMA
introduced its
volunteer day, I
jumped at the
opportunity.
It was a GREAT way
to get out of the
office and enjoy the
summer sun! 

6. Diane Comeau was
our guide for the
scheduled visits in
Fort Saskatchewan
on July 22.
She’s just amazing
with both horses and
people.
She’s a student in

the University of

Alberta agriculture
program.

7.  
General


There were also a
number of human
volunteers and of
course, five of our
four legged friends.
My buddy for the day
in the bottom picture
was Timbit.

8. Diane C. bought
Timbit at an auction.
Because he was
overweight, she
called him Timbit.
Timbit’s skin quivers
when you touch him
– a result of the
abuse he suffered
before being
rescued.
Fortunately, he
warmed to me
quickly.

9. We met at the
corral in the parks
area in Fort
Saskatchewan
where the horses
could eat and run
around a little.
(the humans ran
around a little too)


10. Our whole day
involved walking
from location to
location from
about 10am until
2pm.
Because it was a
beautiful sunny
day, we stayed
outside, but we
did go inside one
seniors’ facility
with the horses.


11.  We (well the
horses) were a
magnet for people
when walking
around town.
The best part was
chatting with
seniors who
seemed so happy
we were visiting.
Even cleaning up
after the horses
wasn’t so bad!

12. I am very grateful
to have been given
the opportunity to
volunteer for a day
with such a great
organization run by
such great people!
Special thanks to
Diane C., Timbit
and everyone who
participated on July
22.