– by Susan Simosko –
What were you doing in your twenties? What difference did you make to your community? If you’re like me, you might be saying “not much.” Now consider Morgan Jane Shaw, 26, born and raised in Sidney and actively making a major difference in our community.
Morgan is Manager of Visitor Services for the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. She also serves as a director on the Peninsula Celebrations Society Board, and, when time permits, she dons the Sidney Seagull costume to entertain kids of all ages. And that’s just for starters. Her personal commitment to our community is awe inspiring.
A graduate of Trinity Western University and Thompson River University, Morgan holds two bachelor degrees, one in psychology and the other in business. As she puts it, “Both are important to me as I work with people from all walks of life in my paid and volunteer work. The psychology helps me to understand people, and the business perspective helps me to think more strategically and systematically about solving problems.”
In her role at Visitor Services—she manages both the Town and Highway locations—Morgan is responsible for the recruitment and coordination of almost 100 volunteers. She plans and conducts all training and yes, she is responsible for resourcing, maintaining and updating all the information in both centres. “It’s quite a responsibility,” Morgan says, “when you think of the thousands of people who want and need information about the activities, events and services in our area and beyond.” Morgan thoroughly enjoys working with the many volunteers. “I don’t think in terms of ‘work’ per se,” Morgan tells me. “We have a great team of volunteers and together we strive to deliver informed, quality services to meet visitors’ needs in the best ways we can.”
“When you are already so busy with your paid work, why do you volunteer to serve as a director on the Peninsula Celebrations Society Board?” I ask. Morgan is very clear in her response: “For two basic reasons,” she smiles. “As a kid, I loved the events in Sidney and believe they are the heartbeat of the Town. We all look forward to the parades and other events. I think they drive community spirit and, of course, they provide fun opportunities for everyone. I like contributing to that!”
The second reason is equally important: “I believe,” Morgan says simply, “that when you work with volunteers, you should volunteer too.” We agree that if more people felt that way, communities around the world would benefit significantly.
Morgan attributes her passion and commitment to hard work and community service to her mom, Laurie Salvador. “My mom’s work ethic is extraordinary. She is giving and helpful, and always from the heart. She and her husband live compassionate and value-based lives. Many years ago, I decided I wanted to live my life with compassion and a giving nature. It’s a way of living I embrace every day.”
Morgan believes that working in the not-for-profit sector and volunteering are intrinsic to her whole philosophy of life. “There is so much more to life than earning money,” she says. “We need to inspire everyone, young people in particular, to understand that and to give back to their communities, not just once but throughout their lives.”
Indeed, Morgan. Inspirational words for us all.
