Northern Initiative for Social Action (NISA) is a community of belonging, where through the development of occupational skills and self-confidence, participants contribute to their own wellbeing and that of their community.
Denis Pilon is one of NISA’s most frequent volunteers. He is always willing to step in and help where needed. Most of Pilon’s volunteer work includes helping to manage the front desk area, where he was especially helpful with NISA’s screening procedures during the pandemic. In the past year, he received NISA’s Marie Claire O’Brien Award for all of the great work he does at NISA.
Pilon started volunteering nearly 40 years ago to help make a positive difference in the community.
“I started volunteering in 1985 and, from then on, I’ve never looked back,” Pilon said. “The reason I wanted to volunteer is to improve my community, as a whole. I started volunteering at the Soup Kitchen and the Mission. I worked helping disabled adults get placements for 6 months and was able to help place people with permanent employment. I’m proud of that. It tickles me pink to know I was able to help.”
He enjoys volunteering in an environment where everyone and every day is different.
“Volunteering is fun! I love the diversity. It’s never the same, monotonous thing. It’s also very rewarding. I got involved because I wanted to improve our community. When I consider my community, I think of a big family with extended family members, where everybody is equal. I do this for a positive. Volunteering has given me a lot of wisdom, compassion, and empathy. I put myself in others’ shoes and try to understand their predicament. I don’t judge or criticize. I listen and offer constructive suggestions. We’re all equal. We’re all human. I’m able to connect with people and that’s why I do it.”
Pilon gives the best of himself everyday. Active listening and unwavering patience help him do his very best for the NISA community, his extended family.
“I volunteer from 9:30 to 3:30, five days a week. I’m very committed. Whether I’m scheduled or not, I like to be here to help with reception coverage and to give tours. People are surprised at what we offer. We have designated [peer support] staff. If I’m in the main hall, people will come to me and I tell them we’ll figure out what works for you. It’s an open door, a revolving door, and we won’t stop to find a resolution to whatever ails you. I mingle around and when people need advice, they consult with me. I listen a lot and offer positive advice. I have patience with these extended family members, my community.”**
He feels volunteering gives him purpose, as he contributes to the happiness and wellbeing of others.
“People ask if I get paid. What I do is all volunteer work. My pay day is doing something positive for someone, making them smile, at no cost. I have always wanted to improve my community. The reason I started volunteering was due to my 0/20 vision. I wanted to do something meaningful even though I couldn’t be hired because it was too costly. I decided I could volunteer. I like going from one non-profit to another. It is not repetitive; each one is different. I love diversity when it comes to volunteering; it opens doors to me. I love to educate myself and improve myself. I am 64 and I learn something new everyday. I help where there is the need. The positive energy keeps me going.”
Pilon speaks to why he believes in the NISA community, and why he enjoys dedicating his time to help.
“Anybody can become a member at NISA. It is considered a safe space. There is no harassment. It is a multicultural, gender-free, politically and morally-neutral zone. There is no judgement, just a place to find belonging. I have been with NISA for five or six years now. It’s still fantastic! We refer people to some of the other organizations in town where they can get help. I will even walk with people to show them where to go. There are many places for help in our community. I’m like a resource book.”
His desire to help others is genuine and seeing their happiness is his reward.
“I always want to improve my community and help people. I hope I’m helping. I do have a sense that our community is improving. I have pride in what I do. I’ve accomplished something if I can turn a frown into a smile. You can’t buy a smile. You earn that and it is priceless. I like to pay it forward. I am blessed to, at 64, still feel like a young man. I feel great within myself to be able to serve my community. There is much more to do, yet.”
Denis Pilon’s Words of Volunteer Wisdom
“People tell me I’m always smiling and happy. I have my moments, but I don’t stay mad. I make a resolution within me and, if that satisfies me, I move on. I don’t dwell. I make amends to not carry the negative. First on my agenda, when I come out of my apartment door on my way here to NISA, I like to bring a smile to others’ faces. It could be a total stranger, but I feel my work for the day is done if I’ve reached out to someone. I will do that all day long. Three words I tell people to carry, no matter what, are faith, grace, and hope; faith in people, grace to feel grateful for what you have, and hope that whatever the situation, it will get better.”
Erin Medakovic is a freelance writer in Greater Sudbury. Helpers is made possible by our Community Leaders Program.
**An earlier version of this story quoted Mr. Pilon saying NISA has "dedicated counselling staff" which suggests the service is provided by professional mental health counsellors. NISA provides peer support counselling.
