How these Sault volunteers are ‘Making a Difference’

A small group of passionate volunteers is making a big impact on residents in need of social opportunities across Sault Ste. Marie.

Called “Making a Difference,” the local organization offers a diverse range of free activities and outings for adults with special needs, as well as seniors, throughout the year.

Sensing there was a demand for this type of initiative, co-president William Slingsby helped form a committee eight years ago with a vision to ensure every Saultite — regardless of their social needs — could get out of the house and have fun with others.

“We provide opportunities for them to participate in things they might not normally get to do,” he said. “Everything is fully integrated and it’s open to the public.”

Some of the events and excursions participants enjoy includes day trips to Mackinac Island, the Alpaca Farm, and the beach, as well as social gatherings like dances, holiday parties, and weekly board game nights.

In the summer, TAPS softball, which originally started in 1998 by Ben and Marla Pritchard and stands for “Together All People Shine,” is a popular sporty outing on Mondays.

“Everyone swings until they hit, and everyone comes back home again,” Slingsby said. “It doesn’t matter whether you’re on crutches, walkers, wheelchairs – you’ll get your turn to run. It’s a super positive experience.”

A compassionate group of ladies from different area churches even help supply lunches and desserts for the group on a regular basis according to the co-president.

“We’re not going out doing things we want to do; we’re doing things they want to do,” Slingsby said. “We try and make sure their experience is the same as everyone else’s experience, and we want them to have full access to the community.”

Averaging around 50 participants every week, Making a Difference is currently in the application process to become a registered charity according to president Lorie VanScoy.

“Getting the charity number is our number one goal right now,” she told SooToday. “We’re really looking to the community for donations. Two of our largest contributors are United Steelworkers Local 9548 and Local 2251.”

Luke VanScoy from Local 9548 presented the group with a cheque for $1,000 during a potluck at the Moose Lodge on Monday. Mayor Matthew Shoemaker was also in attendance to meet with volunteers and offer words of encouragement.

Feeling appreciative of their support, Slingsby says the organization has been blown away with how well the community has responded to them, particularly during public outings and events.

“We’re not running into stigmas,” he said. “People are bending over backwards to help us when we find something that we can do, and that’s a very positive thing about Sault Ste. Marie.”

For Brenda Mclaughlin, the organization’s treasurer, the fulfillment she feels from offering her time with Making a Difference is nearly beyond words.  

“The joy that you see on these guys is amazing,” she said. “It’s just so heartwarming and something you have to experience yourself.”

“You can’t come in here and not feel good,” Slingsby added. “That’s what it’s all about. The more we can share that, the better.”

The group’s board of directors say they’re always looking for more volunteers and participants at their events. They also provide opportunities for high school students to put in their volunteer hours.

For more information on how to get involved with Making a Difference, their social media page can be accessed by clicking here.