I often attribute my participation in the inaugural Leadership Thunder Bay program as having strengthened my commitment to community trusteeship.

While participating in the program, I tested my comfort zone by chairing the first Squeegee Kids for Shelter House Campaign, raising $20,000 toward the construction of a new shelter, and together with the LTB Alumni Committee continued for another two years, raising more than $60,000 and involving hundreds of high school youth, contributing to enhanced awareness for Shelter House and the issue of poverty.

Following the completion of the program, I was quick to say “yes” when invited to join the Board of Directors at Shelter House and later the NorWest Community Health Centres. I also became involved with the Board of Directors of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce and with the United Way, among numerous other volunteer commitments.

As I think about how many others have completed the program and made significant contributions to our community in ways that are important to each of them, I think “WOW! What a powerful program!”

Developing skills that benefit participants in their careers, in their volunteer work and within their family units also benefit the residents of Thunder Bay for years to come.

Ron Hell, Vice President, Marketing & Revenue Management, Perimeter Aviation/Bearskin Airlines