Lorraine Clunie: Helping female inmates
Published:Monday | March 5, 2012 | 12:00 AM
Latoya Grindley, Gleaner Writer
Lorraine Clunie is perhaps better known for her catering and event-planning services. The proprietor of Elegant Weddings and Oxford on the Oasis restaurant, despite time constraints, still manages to maintain her social responsibility.
The entrepreneur, who through her involvement with the Kiwanis, started to give of herself and time to inmates of the Fort Augusta prison in 1988. And to date, she continues to be committed.
"When I started, it would involve me talking to the inmates, giving them advice and arranging special treats for them."
Admitedly, Clunie says that the increasing demands of her job have impacted her visitation; however, she still manages to carry out her obligations.
In fact, even though at times she is unable to visit the penal institution as much as she would want, she contributes in tangible ways.
A former salon operator, when Clunie decided to close the doors of operation, she donated all her salon equipment to the penal institution's cosmetology centre. And in ongoing support, she still provides supplies to the institutions.
Rewarding
A facilitator of change, Clunie says volunteerism provides her with a sense of joy and pride knowing she is making a difference in the lives she helps. "It is something I find very rewarding."
With a strong belief in providing support for the inmates even beyond their years at the prison, she also serves as mentor to help reintegrate former prisoners back into society.
"Right now, I am a mentor for five young women who are former wards of that institution. So far, I have employed one of them in my business."
For her mentees, she dedicates approximately 10 hours per week to meet with them and sets aside time to still visit the institution.
With a strong stance on teaching persons on how to be marketable, Clunie believes that learning a skill is of utmost importance and this she imparts to those she comes across.
There is no doubt that sometimes her voluntary obligations will conflict with her personal time and business endeavours. However, she manages to perform effectively. "I draft all of them (family) into the projects; if I can't go on a project, I send one of them. My business depends on the public. If I can stop or hinder one person from committing a crime, then my life would have been fulfilled."
Recognition
For her work over the years, Clunie has received recognition which includes, the Governor General achievement award for excellence and was last year recognised as an 'Agent of Change' by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.