by Karina Hunter

Jackie Jung, RN, CDE volunteering for the MCAG at this weekend's Annual Craft & Gift Show

Jackie Jung, RN, CDE, moved to Manitouwadge in 1985 with her husband of one year Ron; she was ‘over the moon’ to be getting a brand new house.  They began new careers, he in mining with the instrumentation department of Noranda and she both at Manitouwadge General Hospital and as a part time nurse with VON. Moving here however, she knew only family and felt that volunteering would be a great way to become a part of her new community. Prior to her life in Manitouwadge she had always worked full time and the shift work of nursing made it difficult to commit to outside activities so the opportunity to volunteer was one Jung did not take for granted.

The first organization which Jung volunteered with was Girl Guides of Canada (GGC), helping at Brownies “I loved the Brownies and the other leaders I worked with”; eventually Jung became a Brown Owl, the leader of her own Brownie Unit. “I made wonderful friendships in [Girl Guides] and gained a lot of skills like public speaking, running meetings, organizing – all things that served me later in my work career”. Jung believes strongly that the positions she holds today are in large part due to the skills and confidence she gained as a volunteer. Her position as ‘Brown Owl’ was just a stepping stone, Jung would dedicate a decade of her life to the Guiding movement in various positions including Brownie Leader then Brown Owl, the title she held for the majority of her 10 years with the guides; running meetings, fun days and taking them to Camp once a year.  She then volunteered with Division Council and next Voyageur Area Council.  She was Travel Coordinator on the Ontario Provincial Council taking young girls on guiding trips, screening to choose those youth and adults that would partake in International trips. During this time son Kurtis was born yet in spite of the hectic schedule of being a new Mom she stayed on for several years as District Commissioner – in charge of Guiding in Manitouwadge. 

Jung always felt that giving back to others and being involved in things that were close to her heart gave a wonderful sense of belonging and reward “I always felt I got more than I gave”. It is no surprise then that when her son started school Jung became involved there as well, as a member of Parent Council. She held various positions on the board of the Manitouwadge Public School Parent Council including Secretary and Chair, also taking responsibility for the Tuck Shop.  When Kurtis transferred to Our Lady of Lourdes (OLOL), she too transferred, volunteering on the OLOL Parent Council as Secretary.  When Kurtis graduated however, Jung continued her volunteering with OLOL helping regularly at the Lunch Stop and as a Community Member on Parent Council.  

Jung has been the Vice-Chair on the High School Community Council for 2 years (though it is her 3^rd year as a member) believing it is important to provide input and to have a voice in her child’s education “It is a wonderful way to be involved in the school and learn more about how things are done, especially in High School where your teen may not tell you all the ins and outs as they branch out more and more on their own, becoming more independent”.  Jung certainly is no stranger to Manitouwadge High School; teachers and coaches there as well as Principal Brian Johnson are all quick to note the value of having her involved.  She has helped with many Fundraisers for Sports teams in which her son is so active.  If there is an invitational event at Manitouwadge High School you can rest assured you’ll see Jung there, helping at the canteen or wherever the need may be.  “Once you do it – you are hooked forever!” said Jung when asked of the chore of waking up at 6am to make pancakes for groups of teens who have come to Manitouwadge for sports trips, sleeping in the school gymnasium for the night. It is clear this is no chore in her books “I think our coaches selflessly give up many hours to our teens and this is my way of thanking them“.  

Jung’s passion for volunteering is quite obvious.  “I love being around the teens” says Jung, though her work in Public Health certainly gives her a look at the types of troubles we see teens living through in today’s world she insists these are a minority explaining that volunteering with teens has allowed her to see all they have to offer. “We have great teens in Manitouwadge” says Jung adding that “Many get good grades while holding positions on School Council, the Athletic Association and participating in every sport”. “They always totally amaze me” this last comment in regards to the teens in Manitouwadge who continue giving their time for community service long after they complete their mandatory 40 hours of volunteering. Though she didn’t point it out, her son of course falls into these groups, he too seems to have a passion for volunteering, most likely gained from years of watching his Mom.  Jung herself credits her mother with having set the example of giving while she was a child “I grew up like that – caring for others and giving back” she says it has always been important.    

As I received emails from various people suggesting Jung be featured for this article I quickly realized that listing all of her volunteering work would not be possible.  Jung also gave her time for several years, to the Ontario Nurses Association as Treasurer and of course there is the work she does above and beyond her positions as a Public Health Nurse and a Diabetes Educator. I have often seen Jung in the aisle of our grocery stores, helping people to make sense of the nutritional information on food labels.  But with 2 part time jobs how does she make time for all this volunteering? “I guess you make time for things that touch your heart” said Jung. 

It seems we in Manitouwadge are lucky there are many things that touch Jung’s heart, her latest volunteering position, becoming one of the dedicated volunteers with the Manitouwadge Cancer Assistance Group. She is a Board Member with the MCAG and also gives her time at fundraising activities. “They are an amazing bunch of dedicated volunteers and I was very honoured they asked me to be on the Board” said Jung of her newest volunteer involvement. She continued, explaining that “I truly believe in what this organization stands for – friends helping friends locally”.  She explained that being involved with the MCAG was especially rewarding “I can’t imagine trying to deal with cancer, overwhelmed and not having the funds to do what you need to” adding that though she was very new to the group, she had already been witness to how helping and caring makes a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families.

Thank you Jackie Jung, for your continued devotion to our community and the many contributions you have made to schools, organizations, committees and groups within Manitouwadge. We are quite lucky that you are one of the people in OUR neighbourhood!

If you would like to suggest someone be featured in “The People in Your Neighbourhood” please email karina@theecho.ca .  Remember that volunteering will enrich your life as well as those whom you are helping; there are many organizations in our community in need of volunteers, look through the pages of The Echo to find a group that shares your interest and Get Involved!