A life of volunteerism

Nashauna Drummond, Lifestyle Co-ordinator

Elve Passley's entire life is about volunteerism. Whether it's at her church or the Lion's Club, she always makes herself available to give a lending hand. Today, both of her hands are occupied helping the Jamaica Cancer Society. She was introduced to the Jamaica Cancer Society in the early '80s from stories she heard from her co-workers about the importance of doing their annual pap smear. She followed suit and in support of the organisation, she filled out a membership card. She told Flair about attending the activities of the organisation, including their wine and cheese parties. Two years ago, she gave herself fully to the organisation after cancer touched her life. "One of my close friends died from breast cancer and my aunt succumbed to colon cancer. I know of so many other persons who have lost the battle with cancer, and these cases give me the motivation to serve and 'give back' at the Jamaica Cancer Society for as long as I can," she told Flair.

A regular job

For a small stipend, she turns up at the society's Lady Musgrave offices Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., like a regular nine to five. Her role is multifaceted and includes managing the human resource matters; coordinating the association's islandwide outreach programmes which offer the opportunity for women to have mammogram and pap smear screenings; arrange with their volunteer doctors to do presentations at schools, with church groups and corporate offices as well as any other matters which may arise.

But whether it's at the Cancer Society or her church group, she is great at multitasking, a skill that may be attributed to her birth sign. "I am not sure if being a Libran (the scale being my sign) has anything to do with my ability to balance family life with volunteerism. I am a committed member of the Lions Club of St Andrew since 1998." Passley also volunteers in the 'Big Brother Big Sister' ministry at her church St Richard's Catholic Church. She notes that her family is very supportive of her volunteering her time. "Alwyn, my husband of 39 years; my children, Neil and Dionne, are very supportive of my involvement and so their understanding helps me to balance and cope with the many hats which I wear."

In 2007, she was awarded for one of the many hats she wears and was named Lion of the Year. She also received the Melvin Jones Fellowship, the highest honour from Lion Clubs international.

nashauna.drummond@gleanerjm.com