Episode Transcript
Speaker 1 00:00:05 Good morning, Fort McMurry, wood, Buffalo, and the rest of the world. Thank you very much for tuning in. My name is Elliot Pierre. This is the Mac city morning show, and I started the show off the same way every day. Thank you very much for taking the time to be with us. May it be live and or watching the recorded versions? I know you got tons of stuff you could be doing with your time, other, from, uh, listening to me and our guests. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you very much. Now on that note, Tanner hit him with the gun.
Speaker 0 00:00:37 Welcome to the <inaudible>.
Speaker 1 00:00:44 All right. So we have a very special guest here today. I've known her for years, but more importantly, a few months ago prior to, uh, getting this new office, she was my landlord. So, uh, without further ado, can you please introduce yourself to the world who you are and what you're all about?
Speaker 2 00:00:59 Sure. Uh, thanks for having me here today. Uh, my name's Rhonda Robinson and I've been in Fort McMurray for four and a half years, moved here from grand Prairie, uh, looking for a change and, uh, work in the nonprofit sector and have for 23 years now. And I employment-wise, I am the outgoing executive director at choices association where I was your landlord for a period of time. And I'm currently now the fund development coordinator at the center of hope full time.
Speaker 1 00:01:32 That's awesome. Yeah, you definitely to say you are engaged in the non-for-profit sector in Fort McMurray is an understatement.
Speaker 2 00:01:40 Yeah. I like to volunteer and give back as well as, um, some advisory councils and a member on a local board of directors as well.
Speaker 1 00:01:51 So during this time, like with COVID, I know it's challenging to get a volunteers to come and help out. However, like you are in this, uh, in the sector of non-for-profit, how can people still get engaged and help maybe with choices or with, uh, the other boards that you sit on? Um, yeah.
Speaker 2 00:02:11 Yeah, I guess with traces specifically, um, we're, we're done in a sense, just waiting to finish up some, some things and, and leading towards, um, dissolution with the board. Um, but other, uh, it was just asked this question this morning by somebody else as well. Uh, a way to engage right now with, I would say the nonprofits is through board of directors or fundraising committees. So, you know, specifically, uh, in my role at the center of hope, um, we have established a fundraising committee and, and definitely would be open to if other people are interested in joining that we haven't met for the first time yet have about six community members. That will be part of that. And once we have events again and are able to that, we'll definitely be recruiting, um, community volunteers for that.
Speaker 1 00:03:02 Okay. Very cool. So, um, I've done some work over the years and partnered up with, uh, the center of hope, but for the people out there who don't know what the center hope is, can you give us a brief description of what they do and what the services are about?
Speaker 2 00:03:14 Um, sure. I so fairly new there. Um, but prior to my position there, I was an avid volunteer for them. I would volunteer at their events. And so, you know, um, in short form, it's, uh, you know, an organization that works with, uh, individuals living in homelessness or near homelessness and, uh, there's several programs, uh, within that. So there's the, the drop-in center, um, the intake and outreach, uh, permanent supportive housing program, a women's wellness program is part of the outreach and housing first programs. And, uh, recently they also have gotten an addiction and mental health counselor in-house. And so that's pretty exciting, um, for the patrons and participants of that program and yeah, a lot, lots of staff doing amazing things. And like I said, it's been really my favorite organization since I moved here and have been active, really involved in. I'm just really blessed to be part of the organization as a staff.
Speaker 1 00:04:23 Yeah, that's awesome. That's I was aware of some of the programs that they had, but it sounds like they've added a bunch of new ones and having a counselor onsite. That's huge. So where in Fort McMurray, are you guys located? I know like people can go online and then search you, but if they needed to utilize your service, where could they go?
Speaker 2 00:04:40 Yeah, actually, I'm glad you mentioned about going online and searching because the Google address is not where we are. So, um, it's one zero, zero nine five Marshall street. So when I look out my window to the left, I see Showgirls and to the right, I see where town hall used to be. And so we're just right on the street there. Um, it's, uh, a, three-story building a big gray building. And so, you know, in saying that, um, our, you know, any donations that come in that we request or that people want to donate can be dropped off there seven days a week, um, men Monday to Sunday from eight til 4:00 PM. And currently we have it set up. So you would just call and, uh, let the staff know that you're leaving the item outside the door and then the staff will go outside and get the item and, um, bring it in.
Speaker 1 00:05:33 Okay. Yeah. How long have you guys been in that new spot? Because prior to, I think most old schoolers like myself know you guys were on Franklin Avenue, uh, across the street from like that, uh, that church and for the old, old schoolers that used to be KP Wong's office. So,
Speaker 2 00:05:49 Um, I'm not sure of the exact dates when the move was happening, but I know it was just prior to, or just prior to the flood. Um, and yeah, so the move still sort of happening, um, for us. And of course my move, uh, just happened a month ago there. Um, and I think it's really important, like as a community member, um, really noticed that the staff responded very quickly when the flood happened and, and we're on the street, you know, with a tent set up, providing supports to the people they provide supports to. Um, and they, they moved very quickly to make sure that the needs were still met despite not being able to access the building right there. So
Speaker 1 00:06:35 That's awesome. No, I honestly, I asked the question, not knowing, I did not know you moved to that new location, so that's awesome that, that we were able to share that message today.
Speaker 2 00:06:43 Yeah. And it is, I mean, it is on the Facebook and all of our pages and our webpage, but Google search yeah.
Speaker 1 00:06:51 Send you to the wrong place. That was an easy text to send. I'll tell you how to do that.
Speaker 2 00:06:58 I've tried. Yeah. Okay.
Speaker 1 00:07:00 So you've been in Fort McMurray for quite some time. Um, I love to hear people's stories on why they moved to Fort McMurray and then why you decided to stay here for as long as you have.
Speaker 2 00:07:12 Um, so I moved here in August of 2016 from grand Prairie. My son was 18 and I felt like I needed to move. And so, um, it was here or Cochrane where my brother is and I just felt like a pull to the community, um, felt that I had a skillset to offer and just sort of started looking for jobs and found a job and found a place to live. And two months later I was here, I packed up, um, sold almost everything and came in my then minivan with my dog full and, um, started on a new adventure. And, um, quite honestly, it's one of the best decisions I've ever made. Um, I love living here. I love the winter. I love the cold. I love the snow. Um, and most importantly, I love the people that I've met here through work and personally, so like, this is home to me now.
Speaker 1 00:08:08 Yeah. Yeah. That's awesome. Yeah. So he had a van back in the day when you came and I have something new. So let's talk about that van. What type of van was it?
Speaker 2 00:08:17 It was a Dodge caravan. It was a hockey mom caravan and it was paid for. Right. Um, but I didn't have children to drive around in it anymore and, uh, had a dream vehicle and a couple of years ago I decided to, uh, to buy it and, uh, and I love it.
Speaker 1 00:08:37 So what I've seen it obviously in the parking lot before, and, uh, you were very proud of it. You keep it very clean and, uh, sometimes you have the roof on, sometimes you don't, what kind of vehicle?
Speaker 2 00:08:47 Uh, I bought a, um, Oh my gosh, I'm drawing a blank. Uh, a Jeep Wrangler sport unlimited. Yeah. And, uh, it's bright red. You can't miss it and yeah, a soft top and it, it is a dream vehicle since I was 18 and, and, uh, I took the plunge and now I have payments and that's okay. I smile every time they come out and, uh, I bought it, you know, locally here as well, and, and, uh, was supported while and helped, uh, you know, uh, with Jeff at legacy. And, and it was a good experience buying it
Speaker 1 00:09:27 To Jeff. He was on the show last Monday. So he's a, he's very cool.
Speaker 2 00:09:31 Yeah. And you know, he, he volunteers for the center of hope as well. And so, um, you know, I know that from before and then from conversations that him and I have had, so yeah,
Speaker 1 00:09:43 Right on, yeah. It's a beautiful vehicle. There's no doubt about
Speaker 2 00:09:45 That. Yeah. His name's Simon, same assignment. So, um, yeah, he's, I quite like them. I'm very happy with, with the decision, um, to, to purchase it for myself.
Speaker 1 00:10:00 Okay. Well, I was going to get off the Jeep talk topic until you, uh, told me that you named, uh, your vehicle. I'll share the name of my vehicle after this, but, uh, how did you come up with the name Simon? And is this normal for you to name your vehicles?
Speaker 2 00:10:15 Well, my last vehicle was big red, cause it was a red minivan and I didn't name it. My friends did. Um, honestly I was driving with my friend, Carrie to Calgary for the Canadian country music awards. Maybe it was, and the gentleman from the Airbnb called and could she couldn't pronounce his name. And so he said, just call me Simon. So we're driving along and about an hour later, I'm like Simon, like, that's the name of my Jeep, his name's Simon and his name's Simon. I don't know. It just, it just stuck
Speaker 1 00:10:49 Nice. As you know, I have a nice little red mg midget convertible that I can only drive in the summer, but her name is Ruby, but Ruby red. Yeah. So anyways, I find it funny when people like, not funny, but I find it interesting how people name their vehicles. So
Speaker 3 00:11:05 My mother has two vehicles. One is red, its name is Scarlet and she has a blue one named sky.
Speaker 1 00:11:13 Oh, there we go. Okay. I like it. Shout out, mom, mom. There we go. All right. So we're coming to the part of the show where Tanner has his segment. It's called the Mac city minute. So Tanner is going to ask you some questions. I know you've watched your show. So you kind of have somewhat of an idea of what's coming up, but you definitely don't know the questions. So no, I don't Tanner, you hit her with your questions.
Speaker 3 00:11:37 Alrighty. Question number one. What is it like working with all walks of life with informing Marie?
Speaker 2 00:11:43 Uh, it's amazing. It's um, humbling. Yeah.
Speaker 3 00:11:49 Question number two. What is your favorite way to fundraise and volunteer?
Speaker 2 00:11:55 I favorite rate to fundraise and volunteer. I I'm, I'm going to say for me personally, a selling raffle or 50 50 tickets, cause I can do it quite well. And so it produces, you know, some money. Okay.
Speaker 3 00:12:08 Question number three, being here since 2016, what is one false misconception you had of Fort McMurray? That's changed.
Speaker 2 00:12:17 Oh, you know, honestly, I didn't really have any preconceived notions about Fort McMurry. Um, so yeah. I nothing
Speaker 3 00:12:29 One of the few. Yeah. Yeah. Uh, question number four when you're not so involved with the community, how do you unwind?
Speaker 2 00:12:37 Oh, that's a good question. Cause I've learned how to do that. I, uh, I actually make, um, beat a jewelry earrings and I read.
Speaker 3 00:12:48 And last question, how is being informed? McMurry changed you for the better?
Speaker 2 00:12:55 How has it changed me for the better? Um, I think it's deepened my connection to community and volunteerism. And when I moved here, um, at the time I moved here, the community, it was a sad place to be. And I think it's just really given me an understanding of the extent of diversity that we have, um, in our province and our country and in our community.
Speaker 3 00:13:22 Okay. All right. Those have been your five questions.
Speaker 1 00:13:25 Oh, those are all good. Okay. I like it. Okay. Now into, um, the diversity, what do you mean by diversity when you say that
Speaker 2 00:13:33 Like diversity of age, um, diversity of religion, um, of ethnic background, uh, spirituality, um, culture is the thing I really like to learn about. And then of course know gender and, um, income that people earn. Like there's just, it's so diverse. Yeah.
Speaker 1 00:13:58 I really did. It's funny that you say that because I, I think, uh, globally, especially based on where we are, we're in the middle of nowhere as far North, as you can almost get, um, I don't think people would really consider us diverse, but yeah, when you move up here or live here, like everything you just listed, it's very apparent that it's, uh, it's a very diverse place and there's a lot of different people and different things. There's a lot of diversity here, so it's cool that somebody who came from outside notice that
Speaker 2 00:14:25 Yeah. And lots to learn and lots to participate in. And, and uh, I like to educate myself. So, you know, to make sure that that I'm doing and saying things appropriately, and I'm a question asker. So that helps as well. Yeah.
Speaker 1 00:14:42 It's been an ongoing theme. There's a few ongoing themes that Keke seem to keep popping up. One of them is food. We're not going to talk about food today, but, uh, books, you said you like to read, what kind of books do you like to read?
Speaker 2 00:14:53 I like to read, uh, books that stimulate me are, are around self-help or true like biographies. Okay. Um, so, uh, Pat, her and I were actually talking about books, uh, when I got here and, um, I, uh, live with add, and so sometimes I'll read a book that I've already read and not realize that, or start the same book five times and not be able to get through it. And, uh, so we had a good laugh about that. Um, so yeah, I'm currently reading scattered minds by Gabor Matay. Um, and it's about add and ADHD. And ironically, I can't seem to get through for the last five years, but it sits on my nightstand and it's ready when, when I'm there.
Speaker 1 00:15:45 Awesome. Yeah. I like reading those types of books too. Um, one that I read, which I thought was really interesting, cause I'm, I don't think this is a surprise to anybody at home. I'm an extrovert. And so an introvert recommended that I read this book quiet, just so I could have a better understanding of like introverts. It was really good just because there a bunch of things where sometimes my brother Allister love you. He's an introvert. And there's some things that like, I'm like, come on, man. Like I would struggle with, but after reading the book, you're just like, Oh, I kind of get it now. So yeah, reading books, like I love them. And for everybody at home, I used to read books, paper and use my eyes. But now I listen. So when I say I read, I really mean I listened to books on audible, so
Speaker 2 00:16:31 I got to have it in my hand. Yeah.
Speaker 1 00:16:33 Some people are like, I just, I D I digested better through my ears and I can do it faster. I'm not the fastest reading in the world. So anyways, I like to listen. I skim read. Um, I'm a pretty nice,
Speaker 2 00:16:47 There you go. So I get through,
Speaker 1 00:16:51 Okay, well, on that note, like I just glanced out on my watch and we're hitting the 20 minute Mark, so we're all done. Um, but before I let you go today, please, one more time, just give a shout out to the organizations that you're currently involved with, maybe the boards or your current employers, or even the old ones that are coming down to an end, so people know how they can get in contact with you and your boards to help out. Yeah.
Speaker 2 00:17:10 Um, so Senator hope just very quickly on the 26th, we're going to be streaming a concert, uh, that evening at 7:00 PM and there'll be a silent auction attached to that. So, um, stay tuned for that. Um, outgoing executive director at choices and way to reach me is probably through the center of hope are on my LinkedIn, um, if needed. And yeah, if you are looking to volunteer, there's lots of non-profit boards that are looking for people on their boards. I'm currently a member of the kids' sport with Buffalo board, new to that board. So it's pretty exciting. And then
Speaker 1 00:17:50 Perfect. And your name one more time so they can search you on LinkedIn. Rhonda Robinson. There we go. Awesome. Well, Rhonda, thank you very much for coming today. Do appreciate it, everybody at home. Once again. Thank you very much for tuning in. I can't tell you how much it warms my heart to see everybody watching and getting engaged with the show, please continue to do so. It means the world to my man, Tanner and myself, and, uh, definitely tell your friends about us other than that hope you're having a great day and we'll see you tomorrow. Peace.
Speaker 0 00:18:17 <inaudible> talk about quenching your ugly thirst.
